Leh Ladakh: celebrated as India’s crown of rugged beauty, is now reeling from its bloodiest day. On September 24, 2025, a peaceful march for statehood turned deadly, claiming 4 young lives, mostly students in their twenties, and injuring over 80, including 25-30 security personnel.
A strict curfew under Section 163 pg BNSS now grips Leh, with Kargil under shut down.
The unrest traces back to 2019, when Ladakh became a Union Territory after Article 370’s revocation. Promised empowerment but in contrast locals instead face 40% unemployment, no elected councils and they fear corporate land grabs without Sixth Schedule protections. Climate hero Sonam Wangchuk, a Padma Shree winner, led a 15-day hunger strike with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, demanding statehood and safeguards.
On September 23, 2 strikers’ hospitalization sparked a youth-led march that erupted into chaos: stones, arson and gunfire targeting a CRPF vehicle, the BJP office and Hill Council hall.
The Home Ministry accuses Wangchuk of inciting violence with “provocative statements” in September 10 speeches referencing “Arab Spring” and “GenZ Revolutions.” They claim he misled youth and fled in an ambulance without calming the crowd. Wangchuk ended his fast yesterday and called it “Ladakh’s saddest day,” blaming the government for stalling talks and urging non-violence.
Locals lament joblessness and land loss, with the youth wing chanting that “peaceful protests aren’t enough.” Despite some progress—like quotas at 84% women’s council reservations and 1,800 jobs promised—the high-powered committee’s slow pace fuels frustration.
Meanwhile, social media is divided, hailing Wangchuk as “Ladakh’s voice” or branding him “anti-national.” The CBI is probing his organisation for FCRA violations, escalating tensions.
Leh is quiet today under curfew, but wounds remain raw. Informal talks begin tomorrow, with the next HPC meeting on October 6. Ladakh’s plea echoes: “Hear us before it’s too late.”
Can the dialogue restore peace or reignite the anger?
