Violence flared during a protest in Leh on Wednesday. Demonstrators set the BJP office and a CRPF van ablaze in Ladakh's capital. Approximately four people lost their lives leading to a curfew in Leh. The situation had been peaceful with hunger strikes until the violence unfolded on Wednesday. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, leading peaceful protests prior to the violence, commented, "The anger of the youth brought them to the streets. This was a Gen-Z revolution."
The BJP criticized Congress for the chaos, as police used tear gas and batons after a group of youths threw stones amid widespread protests and shutdowns. Four fatalities and numerous injuries ensued, prompting additional security forces in volatile areas. The shutdown was announced after the health of 15 hunger strikers deteriorated, necessitating hospital care.
Source: aajtak
Following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh became a separate Union Territory. Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, it lacks an assembly, thus falling directly under central governance. Since then, Ladakh has seen several protests for statehood, Sixth Schedule constitutional protections, and greater local autonomy to safeguard its tribal identity and fragile ecosystem. The protest in Ladakh revolves around five key aspects: who initiated the hunger strike, who called the shutdown, and the participants involved.
Under the leadership of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a group has been on a hunger strike since September 10. They demand Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood status while seeking dialogue with the Center.
Source: aajtak
In a video message posted on Wednesday, Wangchuk said, "The anger of the youth led them to the streets. They have been unemployed for five years, repeatedly laid off for various reasons, with Ladakh's demands unmet. I would say it's a recipe for social unrest. Some think they were just our supporters, but certainly, all of Ladakh stands with us on this issue. This was a Gen-Z revolution."
Wangchuk appealed, "I urge the younger generation not to resort to violence; it will undermine our five-year efforts. This is not our way. We are striving to present our demands peacefully to the government, and I hope they will heed our call for peace."
The next round of talks between the Center and Ladakh representatives is scheduled for October 6, involving members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram through autonomous district councils, allowing them to legislate on land, forests, and local governance. Its aim is to protect tribal rights, customs, and self-governance.
According to Ministry of Tribal Affairs data, approximately 97% of Ladakh's population comprises Scheduled Tribes, with Leh at 66.8%, Nubra at 73.35%, Khaltse at 97.05%, Kargil at 83.49%, Sankoo at 89.96%, and Zanskar at 99.16%.
Source: aajtak
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) led the protests for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, comprising several religious, social, and political groups. According to The Hindu, activist Sonam Wangchuk, a longtime advocate for Ladakh's rights and development, is a member of this group.
Wangchuk has taken the forefront of the protests and, along with other members, has led a hunger strike to pressure the Center for resolving Ladakh's pending demands.
According to The Indian Express, following the collapse of an elderly woman and a man during Tuesday's protests, the LAB's youth wing called a shutdown in Leh on Wednesday.
Source: aajtak
A Congress-affiliated user posted, "Following Sonam Wangchuk's days-long hunger strike in Leh, Ladakh, it's now Gen-Z's turn. They came forward powerfully forcing BJP to face ground reality."
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, called upon Indian youth and Gen-Z to safeguard democracy and fight alleged electoral fraud. The mention of Gen-Z India followed Gen-Z protests in Nepal that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government earlier this month.
BJP leaders criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of inciting youth and bringing disorder to the country.
Many asserted that Ladakh's protesters were Gen Z. A social media user shared a video from Leh titled "Gen Z takes to the streets in Ladakh."
Another user alleged, "Gen Z protesters in Ladakh set fire to the BJP office, causing complete chaos."
Some even compared it to the recent protests in Nepal, where Gen Z protesters toppled the Oli government.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk expressed concern, "The events in Leh are deeply saddening. My message for a peaceful approach failed today. I urge young people to stop this nonsense. It harms our cause."
Source: aajtak
The ongoing movement for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion for Ladakh turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. Activist Wangchuk broke his 15-day fast on Tuesday, urging his followers to avoid violence.
Although a meeting with the Center was set for October 6, protesters sought to push the date forward due to the deteriorating health of those on hunger strike. According to PTI, a large crowd gathered at NDS Memorial Ground on Wednesday, marching through the city chanting for statehood and Sixth Schedule support.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets, visible flames and black smoke engulfing the area. Tension escalated when some began throwing stones at the BJP office and hill council. Tear gas was deployed by police forces to suppress the unrest.
Amid a full shutdown in Ladakh's capital, the BJP office and several vehicles were torched. Protesters destroyed furniture and documents within the BJP office grounds.
Source: aajtak
Additional forces were dispatched to the site, and officials managed to regain control after hours of clashes, though tension persisted in the city. Post-violence, authorities implemented Section 144, restricting gatherings of five or more people.
The turmoil led to the abrupt cancellation of the annual Ladakh Festival, initially planned for two days, due to "unavoidable circumstances." Greater Kashmir reported officials expressing regret over the cancellation, apologizing to local artists, cultural groups, and tourists attending the program.
