Leh Violence: Four Dead, Dozens Injured as Statehood Protests Turn Fatal

Leh, Ladakh, Sept 2025: At least four people were killed and 30 others injured during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Leh town, following a general strike called by a regional outfit demanding statehood for Ladakh, officials confirmed. In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a curfew and prohibited gatherings of five or more people in Leh.

The violence erupted after demonstrators, supporting statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh, attacked a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and set several vehicles on fire. Police opened fire to regain control of the situation, resulting in at least four fatalities, as confirmed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. More than 30 security personnel were also injured during the clashes.

The protest was organized by the youth wing of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) following concerns over two of the 15 individuals who had been on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10. Their health deteriorated on Tuesday evening, prompting hospitalization. The protests also sought to express solidarity with noted environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a 14-day hunger strike demanding statehood for Ladakh.

Currently, Ladakh functions as a Union Territory under direct central government administration. However, demands for full statehood have intensified in recent years. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier announced on September 20 that talks with Ladakhi leaders would resume, with the next round scheduled for October 6. The MHA had set up a high-powered committee on January 2, 2023, in response to prolonged protests led by political groups including LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), seeking statehood.

Sajad Kargili, leader of the Kargil Democratic Front, expressed concern over the unrest, tweeting: “Whatever is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, once peaceful, is now gripped by frustration and insecurity due to the government’s failed Union Territory experiment. The onus lies on the government—resume dialogue, act sensibly, and fulfill Ladakh’s demand for statehood without delay. I also appeal to the people to remain peaceful and steadfast.”

The last formal talks between the committee and the joint leadership of LAB and KDA were held on May 27, with no dialogue occurring since then.

In a late-night statement, the Home Ministry said, “Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation in Leh was brought under control by 4:00 pm.” The statement further clarified that the mob had attacked police personnel and damaged public property. “In self-defense, police had to resort to firing, in which unfortunately some casualties are reported,” the ministry added.

The violent clashes in Leh have underscored the mounting frustration in the region over the delayed statehood process, highlighting the need for immediate dialogue between the central government and local leadership to prevent further unrest.