Charred remains of a vehicle lies in the aftermath of violent clashes between demonstrators and police during a protest demanding statehood for Ladakh, outside BJP headquarters building, in Leh, on September 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Tensions in Leh boiled over on September 24 as youth-led protests over statehood and constitutional protections spiralled into clashes with security forces. At least four people were killed and dozens injured, prompting the imposition of curfews and prohibitory orders across Leh and parts of Kargil. The unrest has thrust demands for deep structural change in Ladakh into the national spotlight.
Also Read: Mistrust in Ladakh: On the violence, legitimate aspirationsWhy are people protesting in Ladakh?For several years, residents of Ladakh have pressed the Centre for stronger constitutional safeguards, local control over land and jobs, and greater political representation. Protesters’ principal demands include full Statehood for Ladakh, the extension of constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule (which grants certain autonomous powers to tribal areas), separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and job reservations for local communities. These demands have been voiced through local bodies, including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.A hunger strike led by civic groups in Leh, including the Leh Apex Body, pressed the Union Government to grant Ladakh Statehood and include the region under the Sixth Schedule. The unrest began as large, youth-led demonstrations in Leh calling for the elevation of Ladakh’s status and special constitutional protections.On September 24, clashes between protesters and security personnel escalated: vehicles and offices were torched, stones were pelted in several parts of the town, and police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds. Authorities said live rounds were fired during attempts to control the situation; by nightfall, at least four civilians were reported dead and many more injured. Curfew and prohibitory orders were imposed in Leh and parts of Kargil as officials sought to re-establish normalcy.
