Leh : — Tensions flared in Ladakh on Tuesday after widespread protests and a shutdown were observed across the region, demanding swift action on talks with the Centre regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule and full statehood for Ladakh.
The protest, led by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), comes amid growing frustration over what many in the region see as deliberate delays by the Central government. Two of the 15 individuals who have been on a hunger strike since September 10 were rushed to the hospital after their health deteriorated, adding urgency to the ongoing agitation.
Among the hunger strikers is renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose protest has become a focal point of the broader movement. In a statement released Tuesday evening, Wangchuk condemned the turn to violence by some demonstrators and appealed for restraint.
“My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause,” Wangchuk said, calling for non-violence as a guiding principle of the movement.
Wangchuk also blamed the Centre for failing to deliver on previous assurances regarding the Sixth Schedule protections and job reservations for locals, which, he said, has fueled unrest among Ladakh’s youth.
Talks Scheduled for October 6
A fresh round of talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, including members of both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is set for October 6. Protesters, however, are demanding that these talks be brought forward, citing a lack of trust in the government’s commitment to resolving their concerns.
Political Leaders React
The unfolding unrest in Ladakh has drawn reactions from political leaders across the spectrum.
Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, used the moment to highlight what he described as a double standard in the Centre’s approach to union territories.
“Ladakh wasn’t even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry,” Abdullah posted on X.
“Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly.”
Mehbooba Mufti, former J&K Chief Minister and president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), also condemned the government’s handling of Ladakh’s grievances.
“This video isn’t from the Kashmir Valley considered the epicentre of unrest but from the heart of Ladakh,” she wrote alongside a video of the protest.
“Leh, a region long known for its peaceful and measured protests, is now witnessing a disturbing shift toward violent demonstrations.”
Mufti urged the Centre to move beyond “day-to-day crisis management” and address the root causes of public discontent.
A Region at a Crossroads
Ladakh, which was carved out as a separate Union Territory in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, has since seen increasing demands for constitutional protections, ecological safeguards, and political autonomy.
While the region initially welcomed UT status, many now feel marginalized and misled due to the Centre’s inaction on key promises — particularly regarding the Sixth Schedule, which would provide greater autonomy and protect tribal rights.
As the October 6 talks approach, pressure is mounting on the government to take concrete steps — not just to quell the protests but to restore the faith of Ladakhis in the democratic process.
