Curfew Imposed in Ladakh, India After Deadly Clashes During Statehood Protests

Tensions remain high and restrictions are in effect across parts of Leh district of Ladakh, India following a violent escalation of protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory of Ladakh. The unrest, which began as peaceful demonstrations, turned deadly last week, resulting in the deaths of at least four protesters and injuries to dozens more, including security personnel.

The agitation, a long running joint movement by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is centered on demands for full Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to protect the region's unique tribal culture, land, and job opportunities from outside influence. The current wave of protests was fueled by a sustained hunger strike led by prominent educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who called off his 15 day fast after the outbreak of violence.

The situation spiraled on Wednesday when protestors, largely composed of local youth, clashed with police, leading to the reported torching of a political party office and police vehicles. Authorities responded with baton charges and, in some areas, live fire, which they claim was in self defence. Following the clashes, a curfew was imposed in Leh, and mobile internet services were temporarily suspended to restore order.

In a significant development, activist Sonam Wangchuk was subsequently arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to a jail outside the Union Territory. The central government has publicly accused Wangchuk of inciting the mob violence through "provocative statements," an allegation strongly refuted by the protest leaders and the Leh Bar Association, who have called the charges "fabricated." The government has also cited ongoing dialogue through a High Powered Committee, noting that key concessions have already been made, such as increasing reservations for Scheduled Tribes.

Despite the crackdown, the leaders of the LAB and KDA remain firm on their primary demands, which also include job reservations for locals and two separate parliamentary seats for the region. A fresh round of talks between the Centre and the joint Ladakhi delegation is currently scheduled for October 6, against a backdrop of increased political polarization and public unrest over the region's status since its separation from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The situation is being closely watched across the high altitude, strategic border region.

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