4 dead as Ladakh statehood protest turns violent in Leh

At least four people were killed and over 50 were injured after a massive agitation over demands for statehood and other things turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. Police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly turned violent and pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown in Leh.. The protest was held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on extension of Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh. A fresh round of talks is scheduled between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, comprising members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on October 6.

#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: BJP Office in Leh set on fire during a massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehoothe d and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with Police. https://t.co/yQTyrMUK7q pic.twitter.com/x4VqkV8tdd

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk expressed sadness over the incidents of violence in Leh and blamed the frustration building in the youth for the incidents that unfolded. Addressing an online press conference, Wangchuk said two of the protesters, a 72-year-old man and a woman (62), were taken to a hospital on Tuesday, and said it was most likely the immediate trigger for the violent protest.The climate activist, who was leading a hunger strike in Leh over the demand for Sixth Schedule and statehood, called off the hunger strike after a large number of youths took to the streets.