NEW DELHI: Ladakh witnessed its worst violence in decades on Wednesday as a protest over statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards spiralled into clashes that left four people dead and more than 80 injured, including police personnel. Curfew was imposed in Leh, vehicles were set ablaze, and security forces fired teargas and live rounds to quell the crowds.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for statehood and constitutional protections, called off his fast as tensions erupted after two fellow hunger strikers collapsed and were hospitalised.

Here are ten key points explaining what led to the unrest:

The spark: Hunger strike and hospitalisation

The immediate trigger came on Tuesday evening when two hunger strikers, Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60), were shifted to hospital in critical condition. They were part of a 35-day fast demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. Their collapse moved youths across Ladakh to take to the streets in solidarity. By Wednesday morning, a shutdown had been called, crowds gathered at Martyrs’ Ground in Leh, and anger spilled over into clashes. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk admitted the hospitalisation acted as the flashpoint for the violence that derailed his peaceful campaign.

What are the demands?

At the heart of the agitation are four demands: statehood for Ladakh, extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and employment reservations. Protesters argue that without Sixth Schedule protections, Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, land rights, and cultural identity face severe threats. The Sixth Schedule, currently applicable to tribal areas in the northeast, provides autonomy through elected councils with financial and administrative powers. Activists accuse the BJP of reneging on its 2020 promise to secure this status for Ladakh.

Sonam Wangchuk ends his hunger strike

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began fasting on 10 September, announced an abrupt end to his protest as violence erupted. “I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause,” he said. Calling it the “saddest day for Ladakh,” Wangchuk admitted that his peaceful path had failed but urged the government to listen to the people’s demands. “We will keep our agitation non-violent,” he promised, stressing that the aim of his hunger strike was defeated if young lives were lost.

Four killed, scores injured in clashes

Officials confirmed that four protesters, aged 19, 20, 23 and 46, were killed in clashes, with at least 80 others injured. More than 40 police personnel were among the wounded. Witnesses said teargas and lathi charges were used before security forces opened live fire when crowds hurled stones and attacked government and BJP offices. Several protesters reportedly lost limbs in the violence. The deaths marked the first fatal clashes in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019, reviving painful memories of 1989 when three people were killed during protests for UT status.

Arson and vandalism across Leh

As tensions escalated, groups of youths torched vehicles and vandalised public property. The BJP headquarters and the Hill Council office in Leh were set on fire, along with a police vehicle. Officials described scenes of flames and dark smoke billowing across the town. The police resorted to firing and teargas to disperse crowds, but the violence spread rapidly. Authorities later imposed curfew to prevent further bloodshed, saying the day’s events represented one of the darkest moments in Ladakh’s recent history.

Government blames ‘provocative statements’

The Union home ministry accused “politically motivated individuals” and “provocative statements” of fuelling the unrest. In its statement, it urged people not to circulate old or misleading videos on social media and assured that dialogue with Ladakh’s groups was continuing. “The government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards,” it said. It pointed to ongoing talks with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through a High-Powered Committee. The next round of talks was already scheduled for October 6, the ministry noted.

Lt Governor calls it a conspiracy

Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta condemned the violence, calling it “heart-wrenching” and a conspiracy to disturb Ladakh’s peace. “Everyone has the right to speak in a democratic system, but what happened today was not spontaneous,” he said, vowing action against those responsible. Gupta alleged attempts were being made to replicate uprisings in Nepal and Bangladesh and blamed “vested interests” for inciting violence. He urged Ladakhis, particularly the youth, to restore calm, emphasising that the administration stood with them but would not spare conspirators.

Political blame game intensifies

The clashes quickly turned political. The BJP accused the Congress of fuelling the unrest, claiming the violence was part of a larger conspiracy. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged it was a Congress-led protest disguised as a “Gen Z revolution.” The Congress, however, blamed the Modi government for mishandling the situation and delaying talks. Congress leader Manish Tewari demanded a “forensic examination” of how a peaceful protest turned violent. Omar Abdullah said Ladakh’s unrest reflected broader discontent with the denial of statehood across Jammu and Kashmir.

Centre–Ladakh talks and frustrations

Since 2019, Ladakhi groups have repeatedly demanded constitutional safeguards. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance jointly spearheaded the movement, forcing the Centre to set up a High-Powered Committee in January 2023. Talks, however, stalled after May, when only a domicile policy was finalised. The hunger strike and fresh shutdown were aimed at pressuring the Centre to resume dialogue. With the next meeting set for October 6, activists accused the government of dragging its feet. Wangchuk said frustration among Ladakh’s youth grew because the government ignored peaceful appeals for years.

What next?

With curfew in place and security forces deployed across Leh, the situation remains tense. Authorities fear the death toll may rise, with several injured in critical condition. Reinforcements from the CRPF have been brought in, and Section 163 of BNSS has been invoked to ban rallies without prior approval. Activists insist dialogue must resume urgently to prevent further escalation. “We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country,” Wangchuk said.