Protests in Ladakh turned violent on Wednesday as angry youths clashed with police in Leh, demanding faster talks with the Indian government. The demonstrators want Ladakh included in the 6th Schedule for constitutional safeguards, full statehood, and stronger protection for the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The unrest came amid a tense hunger strike that has gripped the area. Two of the 15 participants ended up in the hospital with worsening health, pushing climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to break his fast. Wangchuk, a key leader in the movement alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body, called for calm after the clashes broke out.
In a heartfelt statement, Wangchuk urged young protesters and locals to stay peaceful and stick to non-violent principles inspired by Gandhi. “Our fight for Ladakh’s rights will only win if we build it on peace,” he said. He also asked police to hold back on harsh tactics like tear gas, warning it could make things worse. For Wangchuk, saving lives mattered more than continuing his own strike.
The chaos unfolded in Leh’s streets that morning. Crowds surged out, shouting for statehood and safeguards under the 6th Schedule. Frustration boiled over as they targeted the local BJP office, hurled stones at officers, and even set a police vehicle on fire. Police fired back with tear gas and baton charges to break up the crowds. It’s the first time in years that such fierce clashes have hit Ladakh.
This all plays out as Ladakh gears up for crucial talks. The central government has scheduled a meeting with local leaders on October 6 to discuss these long-standing demands. Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in August 2019, right after the government scrapped Article 370 and split Jammu and Kashmir. At first, folks in Leh, including Wangchuk, cheered the change. But soon, worries grew about a “political vacuum” under the lieutenant governor’s rule, sparking widespread discontent.
That’s when Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil united like never before through the Leh Apex Body and KDA. Their 15-day hunger strike drew huge support across Ladakh, highlighting calls for 6th Schedule protections, statehood, and saving the area’s delicate environment from threats like unchecked development.
With tensions rising, Wangchuk’s fast has ended, but the push isn’t stopping. KDA leaders and trade groups plan to ramp up actions, including “chakka jam” road blockades in the days ahead. As Ladakh’s people fight for their future, all eyes are on those October talks to bring real change.
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