Leh Protest: What sparked Gen Z protests in Ladakh? Explained in 5 points - India Today

Ladakh was granted Union Territory status after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Since then, local groups (Leh Apex Body & Kargil Democratic Alliance) have been demanding: Statehood for Ladakh Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (to safeguard tribal rights, land, and culture). Sonam Wangchuk, a noted activist, started a hunger strike on 10th September 2025 to press for these demands.

Incident

On 24th September 2025, violence erupted in Leh during ongoing protests. Mob actions: Attacked political party office and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Leh. Set offices on fire, torched a police vehicle. Attacked security personnel (30+ police/CRPF injured). Police resorted to firing in self-defence, leading to casualties. Curfew was imposed to control the situation.

Government’s Stand (Ministry of Home Affairs Statement)

The Centre accused Sonam Wangchuk of inciting violence through provocative speeches. Claimed: Some politically motivated individuals unhappy with progress of talks tried to sabotage dialogue. Protesters were misled by references to Arab Spring, Nepal uprisings, and threats of large-scale violence. The dialogue process with Ladakhi groups had already yielded results:

  • ST Reservation in Ladakh increased from 45% to 84%.
  • 33% women reservation in councils.
  • Recognition of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.
  • 1,800 government posts recruitment process initiated.

Upcoming High-Powered Committee (HPC) meetings scheduled for 25–26 September and 6 October were meant to address demands.

Local Administration’s Stand

Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta termed the incident a conspiracy led by vested interests. Emphasized that democratic methods (like hunger strikes) are acceptable, but incitement to violence is not. Assured strict action against those responsible.

Key Issues

  1. Democratic Rights vs. Law & Order:
    • Right to protest through hunger strikes vs. threat of inciting violence.
  2. Constitutional Safeguards for Ladakh:
    • Demand for Sixth Schedule inclusion and statehood.
  3. Centre–Periphery Relations:
    • Trust deficit between Ladakhi groups and the Central government.
  4. Security Challenge:
    • Protests escalating into violence in a strategically sensitive border region.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper II (Polity & Governance):
    • Sixth Schedule, tribal autonomy, democratic protests.
  • GS Paper III (Internal Security & Social Issues):
    • Handling of protests, role of police, maintaining peace in sensitive border regions.
  • Essay & Ethics:
    • Balance between safeguarding rights and maintaining public order.

The Leh–Ladakh protest highlights the tensions between local aspirations for statehood and constitutional safeguards versus the Centre’s approach of gradual concessions and dialogue. The violent turn of events raises questions on responsible activism, political incitement, and the state’s role in managing dissent democratically in sensitive regions.