Leh, Ladakh – September 25, 2025 – At least four people have lost their lives and dozens have been injured in violent clashes in Ladakh as protests for statehood and job quotas for local residents erupted into unrest late Wednesday.
The demonstrations, led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and supported by local groups, intensified in Leh after weeks of peaceful mobilization. Protesters called for restoration of Ladakh’s autonomy, protection of tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule, and the creation of elected local bodies. The region has been directly governed from New Delhi since 2019, when its special status was revoked.
According to eyewitness accounts, angry demonstrators set fire to vehicles and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh. Security forces responded with tear gas and baton charges as youths hurled stones and clashed with police. Reports confirm that over 50 people were injured, including police personnel.
“During this violence, 2–3 of our youth have died for our cause. We will not let their sacrifices go to waste,” said Thupstan Tswang, Chairman of the Leh Apex Body. In his remarks, Sonam Wangchuk urged young people to remain peaceful, announcing the suspension of his fortnight-long hunger strike after the violence. “This is not a solution to Ladakh’s problem. Our struggle will continue, but not through violence,” Wangchuk stated.
The protests underscore growing frustration among Ladakh’s residents, who fear erosion of their identity, loss of land rights, and lack of meaningful representation. Calls for urgent dialogue between the central government and Ladakhi representatives are intensifying as the region reels from the deadliest unrest since its autonomy was stripped.
Authorities have imposed restrictions on gatherings in Leh and deployed additional security forces to prevent further escalation. Community leaders, however, insist that the demands for statehood and protections cannot be ignored and have vowed to continue their movement peacefully .