Ladakh Violence: 4 Dead, 80 Injured
On 24–25 September 2025, large statehood protests in Leh, Ladakh, which began as a hunger-strike-led agitation, turned violent: four people were killed and around 80 others were injured, including dozens of police personnel. Protesters torched a BJP office and a police vehicle; police used tear gas and baton charges to restore order. The Union Home Ministry said the situation was under control by late afternoon and urged people not to circulate provocative or old videos. Talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre are scheduled for early October.
- Before the violence: Activists and local groups had been agitating for statehood for Ladakh and for special constitutional safeguards (including calls for Sixth-Schedule-like protections). A high-profile hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had drawn attention and mobilised youth.
- Trigger point (23–24 Sept): Two hunger strikers were hospitalised after long fasting. That news mobilised crowds and prompted a shutdown (bandh) and mass demonstrations.
- Day of clashes (24 Sept): Peaceful marches and shutdowns gave way to confrontations in parts of Leh. Reports show protesters pelting stones, setting a police vehicle and a local BJP office on fire, vandalising a Hill Council office and other property. Police used tear gas, baton charges and — by some accounts — fired shots; several protesters and police personnel were injured. The death toll reported by multiple agencies later reached four.
- Aftermath (late 24–25 Sept): Authorities imposed curfew and prohibitory orders, detained dozens (reports say ~50 detained), and deployed security forces across Leh and neighbouring areas. The Home Ministry said the situation was brought under control by 4 pm and appealed against spreading provocative videos. Talks with Ladakh representatives were scheduled to restart on October 6.
Who’s involved?
- Local protest groups: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and allied groups have been leading the statehood push, demanding more political control, jobs and protections. Their youth wings were particularly active in calling the shutdown that day.
- Sonam Wangchuk: The well-known activist and engineer had been leading a hunger strike for the cause. He later called off his fast after the violence and urged calm; officials blamed “provocative speeches” by some for inciting trouble, and the Centre referred to such remarks while responding. Wangchuk condemned the violence and appealed for peace.
- Security forces: Local police, backed by paramilitary formations, handled crowd control — using teargas, lathi (baton) charges and heavy deployments; some witnesses and reports say there was use of live ammunition in isolated instances. Authorities then imposed curfews and restricted gatherings.
- Political actors: National and regional politicians reacted strongly — some condemning the violence and urging a quick dialogue, others warning against those they allege provoked the crowd. Former J&K leaders highlighted long-standing grievances.
FAQs
Q1: How many people died and were injured in the Ladakh clashes?
A1: Multiple reputable outlets report four people killed and around 80 injured in the Leh clashes on 24 September 2025, with many of the injured including police personnel.
Q2: What started the protests and why did they turn violent?
A2: The protests were driven by long-running demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards (including calls for Sixth-Schedule-like protections). The immediate trigger was the hospitalization of hunger strikers; emotions and a shutdown led to mass mobilisations that escalated into clashes, arson and confrontations with police.
Q3: Did the government respond, and what did it say?
A3: The Union Home Ministry said the situation was “brought under control by 4 pm” and urged people not to circulate provocative videos. Authorities imposed curfews and detained dozens as security forces patrolled the area.
Q4: Will talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre resume?
A4: Yes — reports indicate a fresh round of talks was scheduled for early October (reported as October 6 in some outlets), which the Centre and local leaders view as a key next step to find political solutions.
Q5: As a traveller, is it safe to visit Leh right now?
A5: Given curfews, detentions, property damage and potential travel disruptions, it’s wise to postpone non-essential travel to Leh until authorities lift restrictions and situations stabilise. Follow official advisories and check with airlines and local contacts.
