Ladakh protest highlights: Uneasy calm day after violence, 50 held; educational institutions closed for 2 days
- Ladakh protest highlights: Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday, chaired a security review meeting in Leh and called for heightened vigilance to safeguard peace.
Ladakh protest highlights: A day after four persons were killed and more than 80 others were injured in widespread clashes amid a shutdown in Ladakh, a curfew was imposed in Leh. Strict prohibitory restrictions banning assembly of five or more persons have been placed in other major towns as well, including Kargil, where a shutdown was called by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was leading a hunger strike....Read More
Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory, Kavinder Gupta, also chaired a security review meeting today and called for heightened vigilance to safeguard peace.
The agitation for Ladakh’s statehood spiralled into violence, arson and street clashes in Leh on Wednesday. The unrest broke out during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been spearheading a five-year campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh. Protesters torched a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office, a police vehicle, and several private cars.
The Union home ministry later announced that the situation had been brought under control and that no further violence had occurred after 4 pm. However,
In its statement, the ministry appealed to the public not to circulate old or inflammatory videos through the media or social media platforms.
“Except for the regrettable incidents earlier in the day, the situation in Ladakh was brought under control by 4 pm,” the ministry noted, adding that the central government remains committed to meeting the aspirations of Ladakh’s people by ensuring appropriate constitutional safeguards.
Officials said police and paramilitary forces, deployed in large numbers across the town, used tear gas shells to disperse crowds and restore order.
Residents of Ladakh have also been pressing for inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which covers provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
In August 2019, the BJP-led government revoked Article 370 and divided the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
What did Sonam Wangchuk say?
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday brought an end to his 15-day hunger strike following the outbreak of clashes in Leh over demands for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
At a press conference, Wangchuk explained that he had decided to suspend his fast as a precautionary step to help stabilise the situation, fearing that his protest might further inflame tensions in Leh.
He condemned the violence and urged calm across the region. Wangchuk also clarified that no political party was behind the agitation, stating that he did not believe any party had the strength to mobilise the youth there.
Previously, Wangchuk, who has been a leading figure in the campaign, had called for peace, telling young people to “stop this nonsense” as such unrest only “damages their cause”.
Posting a video on X, he wrote: “Very sad by the events in Leh. My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.”
In the video, Wangchuk implored young people to reject violence, stressing that such actions undermined his efforts to secure Ladakh’s rights. He pointed out that widespread anger had been triggered by an incident in which two people were admitted to hospital.
Centre's response
The Centre on Wednesday claimed that the violence in Ladakh was fuelled by the “provocative statements” of activist Sonam Wangchuk, while also suggesting that certain “politically motivated” figures were dissatisfied with the progress of ongoing discussions between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.
In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said that aside from a few regrettable incidents earlier in the day, the situation had been brought under control by 4 pm. It further urged people not to share old or inflammatory videos through the media or on social media platforms.
Political reactions
• Opposition parties on Wednesday stressed that the matter must be dealt with sensitivity, calling for a careful on-the-ground assessment to understand both the causes of the unrest and those driving it.
• Left parties strongly criticised the Centre on Wednesday as violence broke out in Leh. The CPI(M) accused the ruling BJP of betraying the people of the region, while the CPI(ML) Liberation said the Union government was “solely responsible” for the crisis. In its statement, the CPI(ML) Liberation argued that the call for statehood has been rising both in Ladakh and in Jammu and Kashmir, yet the Centre has ignored these demands. “The (Narendra) Modi government is solely responsible for this entire situation, having trampled the Constitution, dismantled federalism and denied the people their democratic rights in order to tighten its authoritarian grip over the region,” the party declared.
• Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said the developments in Leh should serve as a warning about how people in Jammu and Kashmir view the denial of statehood, pointing out that Ladakh was not even promised one. He made the remarks after protests for Ladakh’s statehood turned violent, resulting in four deaths and at least 45 injuries, including 22 policemen. Abdullah posted on X: “Ladakh wasn't even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry.”
• Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said she had never imagined that a region as peace-loving as Ladakh could descend into violence. She urged the government to engage directly with the people. “I would have never imagined that the peace loving people of Ladakh would ever choose violence to have their demands heard. It is saddening to read about the protestors taking law into their own hands for their demand for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. GoI needs to engage people in a dialogue rather than turn a blind eye from Manipur to now Ladakh,” she stated.
• Meanwhile, BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Congress of being behind the violence in Ladakh, targeting Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Posting on X, Malviya wrote: “This man rioting in Ladakh is Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Congress Councillor for Upper Leh Ward. He can be clearly seen instigating the mob and participating in violence that targeted the BJP office and the Hill Council. Is this the kind of unrest Rahul Gandhi has been fantasising about?”
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- 25 Sept 2025, 10:07:26 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: This blog is now closed
This blog is now closed. Stay on HT.com for updates as things develop.
- 25 Sept 2025, 06:35:13 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Government cancels Sonam Wangchuk's SECMOL's FCRA licence
Government cancels Sonam Wangchuk's SECMOL's FCRA licence amid ladakh protest.
"Considering the facts and position narrated in preceding paras, the Competent Authority, hereby, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 14(1) of the Act, cancels with immediate effect the FCRA Certificate of Registration No. 152710012R granted to the association "Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh," the letter read.
- 25 Sept 2025, 09:53:41 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: What did MHA say on Sonam Wangchuck?
Here is what MHA said on Sonam Wangchuck:
"Activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike on September 10, demanding the 6th Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. A series of meetings was held with them through the formal channels of the High-Powered Committee, as well as the Sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings with leaders.""The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for the Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women's reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. With this process, the recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced. However, certain politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress made under HPC and have been attempting to sabotage the dialogue process," the MHA further said.
The MHA stated that in spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike, Wangchuk continued with the hunger strike and misled the people through provocative mentions of Arab Spring-style protests and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.
- 25 Sept 2025, 09:29:09 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Uneasy calm in the UT
An uneasy calm prevailed in Ladakh on Thursday as police and paramilitary troops strictly enforced a curfew in Leh town, a day after clashes between security personnel and protesters demanding statehood and constitutional protection left four people dead and more than 80 injured.
At least 50 people have been detained so far in connection with the violence that broke out on Wednesday during the shutdown called by Leh Apex Body (LAB) to demand an extension of the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. The protesters, according to officials, indulged in arson and violence, with mobs burning the BJP office, a number of vehicles, and ransacking the Hill Council headquarters.
"The situation in the curfew-hit areas is under control. There are no incidents to report from anywhere," a police officer told PTI, confirming the detentions.
The escalation of violence had led climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to abandon his fortnight-long hunger strike, which he was undertaking in favour of the demands. Wangchuk has denounced the violence.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 09:05:20 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Opposition blames BJP
The opposition parties on Thursday blamed the BJP for the recent violence in Ladakh, alleging that the ruling party's “breach of promise” on statehood and restoration of power to the region triggered people's anger, as they asked the Centre to engage in “meaningful dialogues” with the protesters.
The Congress trained its guns on the ruling BJP, alleging that the crisis in Ladakh was the government's own creation, and calling the demand for inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for its dignity and for the protection of its identity “legitimate” and “just”.
Terming the loss of precious lives in Ladakh tragic, Congress's media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said in a post on X, “It's a grim reminder of the government's failed promises. In 2019, from the floor of Parliament, the nation was assured that the humiliation being inflicted on the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir then would usher in peace. Six years later, the trouble has only deepened.”
"This crisis is the BJP government's own creation – one it now seeks to unfairly ignore," he said.
Khera said Ladakh's demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for dignity and the protection of its identity is both legitimate and just.
It deserves not neglect, but compassion and statesmanship, the Congress leader said.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, too, blamed the BJP for the violent protests in Ladakh, alleging that the ruling party's "breach of promise" to Ladakhis triggered the protests.
- 25 Sept 2025, 08:34:48 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: What LG said on action to be taken after the violence
Without identifying anyone, Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta said some people do not want peace and development in the UT and are trying to disturb the situation.
“They have made references to the unrest in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal to instigate the local youth, and their actions should not be tolerated. Action will be taken against them,” he said, in an apparent reference to the reported speeches of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 08:04:59 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Why have Sonam Wangchuck-led organisations' FCRA licences been cancelled?
The home ministry's action was based on several alleged discrepancies detected in the organisation's accounts, including a fund transfer from Sweden, which the Ministry found was against “national interest.”
The development comes a day after four persons were killed in widespread clashes between protesters supporting the movement for Statehood to Ladakh and security personnel amid a shutdown in Leh. The government blamed Sonam Wangchuk for the mob violence.
The order said the Wangchuk-led organisation was granted the licence to accept foreign contributions for undertaking cultural and educational programmes.
- 25 Sept 2025, 07:40:10 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: LG Kavinder Gupta says ‘situation under control’
Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta stated that the situation in the UT was “under control” a day after violent protests.
"What happened in Ladakh's Leh, the situation is better now. As a precautionary measure, Section 163 was imposed. Around 90 people got injured today, only 19 are now in hospital, they will also be released. The people who tried to disturb peace, we are keeping an eye on them... All in all, the situation is under control." LG Gupta said. - {{^htLoading}}
- 25 Sept 2025, 07:24:57 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: MHA revokes FCRA licence of Sonam Wangchuck's HIAL
The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of Sonam Wangchuk’s organisation, the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), citing alleged violations of the law, ANI reported citing sources.
- 25 Sept 2025, 07:20:51 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Sonam Wanchuck explains the money he received from outside India
Sonam Wanchuck explained the money he received from outside India, saying the probe against him is a part of a “witch hunt.”
"A day later (after Leh protests), the Home Ministry of India issued a press release naming Sonam Wangchuk in it and blaming him... I had received a notice about a CBI inquiry stating that your organisation received foreign funding even when it did not have FCRA. We did not get FCRA because we don't want funds from abroad. The United Nations team wanted to take our Passive Solar Heated Building to Afghanistan, and for this, they gave us a fee. We also got fees with tax from Swiss and Italian organisations for supplying knowledge to them about our artificial glaciers...We are getting I-T summons. In the series of witch hunting, yesterday's events were the last, and all blame was put on Sonam Wangchuk," Wangchuk told ANI. - {{^htLoading}}
- 25 Sept 2025, 07:11:19 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Farooq Abdullah bats for quick resolution
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said the Centre should hold talks with the people of Ladakh to address their aspirations, and warned that if a void is left in the border state, someone else will try to fill it.
A day after Leh witnessed violence over statehood demands, Abdullah emphasised that Ladakh is a sensitive area.
"I want to tell the government that it (Ladakh) is a border state. China is lurking; they have occupied land. It is time to resolve it quickly. The government should hold talks and resolve it," Abdullah told reporters.
- 25 Sept 2025, 06:54:44 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Karan Singh asks Centre to consider demands
Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh on Thursday expressed concern over the violence in Leh town of Ladakh and urged the Centre to carefully consider the demands of the agitating youth to meet their aspirations, including constitutional safeguards.
The son of the last Dogra ruler also appealed to the people of Ladakh to remain calm and peacefully articulate their demands.
“I have been deeply disturbed by the recent unrest in Ladakh resulting in the death of four people and dozens injured. Ever since 1947 the people of Ladakh have been solidly pro-Indian and have always helped the security forces as and when required,” PTI quoted Singh as saying.
He said the youth in Ladakh have become very resentful that their employment opportunities are disappearing.
“For one thing, they no longer have a Public Service Commission, as a result of which they have to compete at the All India Level. Inclusion in something like the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution seems to be an eminently reasonable solution,” he said.
Karan Singh appealed to the authorities to carefully consider the youth's demands and consider what concrete measures, including constitutional safeguards, can be taken to meet their aspirations.
“This is very important to prevent the agitation from growing, which, in the long run, will have negative security implications. I also appeal to the people to remain calm and peacefully articulate their demands,” he said.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 06:47:36 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Bodies of four civilians handed over to their families
The bodies of four civilians, who died during violent protests in Leh on Wednesday, were handed over to their families, officials said on Thursday.
Several people were feared dead and many injured in Leh city in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Wednesday (September 24, 2025) as an ongoing protest seeking the constitutional safeguards of Statehood and tribal status for the region bordering China turned violent.
- 25 Sept 2025, 06:26:28 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Ladakh protest live updates: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah defends Congress, accuses BJP of blaming others for its failures
Appealing to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday came out in defence of the Congress and said it is the BJP’s habit to blame others for its own failures, and the violence in Leh was no different.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 06:07:37 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Mehbooba Mufti says situation in Leh a result of 'BJP's wrong policies'
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said Ladakh protests are a result of “BJP's wrong policies”.
"A fear has settled in the hearts of the people that if the Sixth Schedule is not granted to safeguard our land, jobs, and cultural identity, everything will be destroyed. The government should consider how a happy place like Ladakh is now burning. Leh is the result of the BJP's wrong policies implemented after 2019," Mufti told PTI. - 25 Sept 2025, 05:58:55 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Prohibitory orders imposed in Kargil
Strict prohibitory orders were also imposed in Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) called a shutdown in support of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike that was later called off following the clashes, PTI reported.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 05:50:45 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Kargil Democratic Alliance comes out in support of Sonam Wangchuk
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) defended climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was blamed by the government for making "provocative statements" leading to mob violence, and expressed sympathies with the families of four slain protesters, describing them as “heroes of Ladakh”.
- 25 Sept 2025, 05:42:32 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: KDA seeks impartial probe into Leh violence
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Thursday demanded an impartial probe into the violent clashes that broke out between protesters and security personnel in Leh town of Ladakh and asked the Union Territory administration to stop “witch hunting” and “harassment” of people, PTI reported.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 05:20:42 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Congress leader urges Centre to carefully consider demands of youth
Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh on Thursday expressed concern over the violence in Leh town of Ladakh and urged the Centre to carefully consider the demands of the agitating youth to meet their aspirations, including constitutional safeguards.
“I have been deeply disturbed by the recent unrest in Ladakh, resulting in the death of four people and dozens injured. Ever since the people of Ladakh have been solidly pro-Indian and have always helped the security forces as and when required,” Singh said in a statement
- 25 Sept 2025, 04:29:38 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP over Leh violence
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday blamed the BJP for the violent protests in Ladakh, alleging that the ruling party's "breach of promise" on statehood and restoration of powers to the region had triggered anger among people.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 04:05:49 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Sonam Wangchuk warns jailing him could escalate tensions
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday said that his imprisonment could create more problems for the government than his freedom and called the home ministry's act of blaming him for recent violent protests in Ladakh a "scapegoat tactic".
"I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and throw me in jail for two years," he told PTI over the phone and added that "I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk."
- 25 Sept 2025, 03:39:26 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Arvind Kejriwal on Leh violence
On Ladakh violence issue, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday questioned if the country gained freedom from the British only to become slaves to the Bharatiya Janata Party instead of the invaders.
"What is happening in Ladakh today is extremely alarming. Every true patriot should stand with the people of Ladakh. Did we take freedom from the British just so that the public would become slaves to the BJP instead of the British? Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad sacrificed their lives for democracy so that every Indian would have the right to choose their own government. But today, the BJP, intoxicated by the addiction of power, is turning one state after another into a Union Territory, snatching away the rights granted by the Constitution," Kejriwal wrote on X.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 03:29:26 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Farooq Abdullah urges Centre to initiate talks with people of Ladakh
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said the Centre should hold talks with the people of Ladakh to address their aspirations, and warned that if a void is left in the border state, someone else will try to fill it.
"I want to tell the government that it (Ladakh) is a border state. China is lurking, they have occupied land. It is time to resolve it quickly. The government should hold talks and resolve it," Abdullah told PTI.
- 25 Sept 2025, 03:12:45 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Kejriwal slams BJP’s ‘power addiction’
Ladakh protest live updates: Expressing deep concern over the situation in Ladakh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday questioned whether India had truly gained freedom from the British, or merely replaced colonial rulers with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In a strongly worded post on X, Kejriwal accused the BJP of being “intoxicated by the addiction of power”, claiming the party was converting one state after another into a Union Territory and stripping away constitutionally granted rights.
“What is happening in Ladakh today is extremely alarming. Every true patriot should stand with the people of Ladakh. Did we take freedom from the British just so that the public would become slaves to the BJP instead of the British? Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad sacrificed their lives for democracy so that every Indian would have the right to choose their own government. But today, the BJP, intoxicated by the addiction of power, is turning one state after another into a Union Territory, snatching away the rights granted by the Constitution,” the post read.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 02:35:24 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: LG Kavinder Gupta holds security review after Ladakh protests
Ladakh protest live updates: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting after statehood and Sixth Schedule protests turned violent and led to police clashes. He emphasised tighter vigilance, stronger coordination among agencies, and proactive measures to maintain peace and order in the Union Territory.
In a post on X, Office of the Lt Governor, Ladakh shared, "Lt Governor@KavinderGuptachaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, & proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, & public order across UT."
- 25 Sept 2025, 01:55:35 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Congress blames BJP government for Ladakh unrest
Ladakh protest live updates: A day after violent clashes in Ladakh, the Congress on Thursday accused the BJP government of creating the crisis. The party said Ladakh’s demand for statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and protection of its identity and dignity is both “legitimate and just.”
The statehood agitation turned violent in Leh on Wednesday, resulting in arson, street clashes, and the deaths of four people. At least 80 others were injured, including 40 police personnel, officials confirmed.
Congress media and publicity department chief Pawan Khera called the loss of lives in Ladakh “tragic.”
“It's a grim reminder of the government's failed promises. In 2019, from the floor of Parliament, the nation was assured that the humiliation being inflicted on the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir then would usher in peace. Six years later, the trouble has only deepened,” Khera said on X.
“Far from restoring normalcy in the valley, the Centre's shortsightedness has pushed Jammu and Ladakh also into an incinerator of violence. This crisis is the BJP government's own creation – one it now seeks to unfairly ignore,” he added.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 01:02:10 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Farooq Abdullah blames frustration over unfulfilled promises for Leh violence
Ladakh protest live updates: Speaking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir about the violence in Leh, JKNC Chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said the unrest was driven by frustration over long-standing demands. He noted, “The reason behind the violence was that he (Sonam Wangchuk) was on a hunger strike for 14 days... For five years, he has been silently protesting over there that they should be listed in the Sixth Schedule and also be granted statehood. He even walked barefoot from Leh to Delhi to make himself seen.”
He added, “The youth might have thought that the promises made five years ago were all hollow. As a result, they couldn't contain their discontent and chose the path of violence. They burned the BJP office, police vehicles, and many other buildings. Police had to use guns and as per reports, four people have died and many are serious. 60-80 people are injured and undergoing treatment.”
On the security implications, Abdullah warned, “This kind of incident happening in a border state is dangerous for national security, especially when China is always trying to destabilise the country... This should be resolved at the earliest without waiting for another spark.”
He stressed that the violence was not orchestrated, saying, “I don’t think there is anyone behind this incident... This is the voice of the locals. The government should learn a lesson from this. They had promised J&K as well, that statehood will be given after delimitation and elections... They should learn from Ladakh.”
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- 25 Sept 2025, 12:30:37 PM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: What did Sonam Wangchuk say about the CBI probe into FRCA violation?
Ladakh protest live updates: When contacted, Wangchuk told PTI that a CBI team investigating alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) at an institution he founded in Ladakh arrived about ten days ago with “an order”, stating that they were acting on a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding purported FCRA breaches at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL).
“The order said we have not taken clearance under FCRA to receive foreign funds. We don't want to be dependent on foreign funds, but we export our knowledge and raise revenue. In three such instances, they thought it was foreign contribution,” Wangchuk claimed.
He added that a CBI team visited HIAL and the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) last week, requesting details of foreign funds received by the organisations between 2022 and 2024.
- 25 Sept 2025, 11:37:58 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: CBI probing FCRA violation by Sonam Wangchuk
The Central Bureau of Investigation has begun an inquiry into alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act against an institution founded by Ladakh-based educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, officials said on Thursday.
There has been an inquiry going on for some time but no FIR has been registered yet, they said.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 11:19:06 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Curfew imposed in Leh
At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces strictly implemented curfew on Thursday in the violence-hit Leh, where four people were killed and over 80 others were injured when widespread clashes broke out a day before, PTI reported.
- 25 Sept 2025, 10:41:59 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: ‘Unkept promises’, Hurriyat Conference chairman on Leh violence
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in Ladakh, claiming the violent protests were aftershocks of the unilateral decision of "dismemberment and downgrading" of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of precious human life in Ladakh protests. The aftershocks of the unilateral decision of dismemberment and downgrading of the state of J&K, and the unkept promises made to its people there after, are bearing these unfortunate consequences," Mirwaiz said in a post on X.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 09:47:54 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: BJP Leh office vandalised | Video
Ladakh protest live updates: The cold desert region saw its worst outbreak of violence since 1989 on Wednesday, with groups of youths carrying out arson and vandalism, targeting the BJP headquarters and the Hill Council, and torching vehicles.
Officials reported that police and paramilitary forces had to deploy tear gas to bring the situation under control.
Police added that some protesters hurled stones at officers while attempting to march through Leh, while others set fire to a paramilitary vehicle and the local Bharatiya Janata Party office.
- 25 Sept 2025, 09:41:58 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: BJP’s Amit Malviya posts video of Leh rioter, alleges he is Congress councillor
Ladakh protest live updates: BJP In-charge of the party’s National Information & Technology Department, Amit Malviya, shared a video of the riots in Ladakh and alleged that the individual seen in the footage is a Congress Councillor representing Upper Leh Ward.
“This man rioting in Ladakh is Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Congress Councillor for Upper Leh Ward. He can be clearly seen instigating the mob and participating in violence that targeted the BJP office and the Hill Council. Is this the kind of unrest Rahul Gandhi has been fantasising about?”
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- 25 Sept 2025, 09:21:22 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: What did govt say over demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh
Ladakh protest live updates: The ministry of home affairs released a statement regarding the demands for statehood in Ladakh, which turned violent on Wednesday, resulting in clashes and the deaths of at least four people. Here's what government said:
• A hunger strike was initiated by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 2025, demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule and statehood for the region. The Government of India has been actively engaging with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on these issues. A series of formal meetings were conducted through the High-Powered Committee (HPC) and its sub-committee, alongside multiple informal discussions with leaders.
• The dialogue process through this mechanism has delivered significant outcomes, including raising reservations for the Ladakh Scheduled Tribe from 45% to 84%, providing one-third women’s reservation in the councils, and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. The process has also commenced recruitment for 1,800 posts.
• However, certain politically motivated individuals were reportedly dissatisfied with the progress under the HPC and have been attempting to sabotage the dialogue process.
• The next meeting of the High-Powered Committee has been scheduled for 6 October, with additional meetings planned on September 25 and 26 with leaders from Ladakh.
• The issues on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are already integral to the discussions within the HPC. Despite repeated appeals from leaders to call off the hunger strike, he continued, reportedly misleading people through provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal.
• On September 24, at around 11:30 am, a mob, allegedly instigated by Wangchuk’s statements, left the hunger strike venue and attacked the offices of a political party as well as the Chief Executive Council (CEC) Leh. The protesters set these offices on fire, assaulted security personnel, and torched a police vehicle. More than 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured as the mob continued to damage public property and attack law enforcement. Police were forced to resort to firing in self-defence, resulting in unfortunate casualties.
• Apart from these early incidents, the situation was brought under control by 4 pm.
• The Ministry stated that it is clear the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Amidst these violent developments, he ended his hunger strike and left for his village in an ambulance without taking serious steps to control the situation.
• The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the aspirations of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards.
• It also requested that citizens refrain from circulating old and provocative videos on media and social media platforms.
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- 25 Sept 2025, 09:06:23 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: How Omar Abdullah is comparing Ladakh’s statehood demand with J&K’s
Ladakh protest live updates: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the unrest in Leh should serve as a wake-up call regarding the feelings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the denial of statehood, even though Ladakh itself had not been guaranteed one.
“Ladakh wasn’t even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. 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.”
- 25 Sept 2025, 09:00:00 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Left parties blame Centre
Ladakh protest live updates: Left parties criticised the Centre on Wednesday as violent protests erupted in Leh. The CPI(M) accused the ruling BJP of betraying the people of the region, while the CPI(ML) Liberation held the Union government “solely responsible” for the situation.
In a post on X, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby accused the BJP of having “betrayed” the people of “Leh and Tripura”, though he stressed that attacking party offices was not the way forward.
“The BJP has yet again betrayed the adivasis and the people of Leh and Tripura. People's anger is reflected on the streets, though attack on party offices is not the solution,” the CPI(M) leader stated.
He added, “We strongly condemn the brutal repression unleashed by the administration against the people of Ladakh, which resulted in the tragic loss of four lives.”
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- 25 Sept 2025, 08:57:04 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Why did the demand for statehood turn into violent clashes?
Ladakh protest live updates: As protests over statehood and related demands turned violent in Leh, Ladakh on Wednesday, government officials monitoring the situation observed a “sinister plot for political and personal gain” behind the developments.
• The unrest occurred even though the central government had scheduled the next round of talks regarding the protesters’ demands. The discussions were set for October 6 between the High Powered Committee appointed by the Narendra Modi government and representatives of the Leh Apex Body and other groups.
• Government sources added that, following a request to advance the schedule, informal talks were also being considered on September 25–26.
• Officials questioned why violence erupted despite ongoing dialogue. They pointed to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike as part of the agitation, and noted that he “has long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring-style protest in Ladakh.”
• A senior official remarked that Wangchuk’s references to the ‘Gen-Z’ protests in Nepal now appeared to serve as a blueprint. Another official suggested, “He said all this to hide his personal misdeeds.”
• Wangchuk has distanced himself from the violence, emphasising that he intended the protest to remain peaceful. He has also rejected claims of a political plot by the Opposition Congress, which had been suggested by some BJP leaders.
• However, officials analysing the violent turn of events stated, “Congress leaders made statements that almost sounded like instructions. The youth are not to be blamed. They were misled, caught up in a sinister plot for political and personal gain.”
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- 25 Sept 2025, 08:50:12 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Sonam Wangchuk appeals for peace after Leh clashes turn violent
Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk speaks after protest erupted regarding the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on extension of Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh. Sonam ended his 15-day hunger strike amid ongoing clashes. (@Wangchuk66) Ladakh protest live updates: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday expressed his sorrow over the outbreak of violence in Leh, attributing it to the frustration among the “Gen Z” youths, which resulted in the deaths of four young people.
In response, authorities in Leh district of Ladakh imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting gatherings of five or more persons. The measures followed a movement demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which had turned violent, with protesters setting fire to the BJP office and several vehicles.
Wangchuk, who had been leading a hunger strike in support of the twin demands, called off his fast after large numbers of youths took to the streets.
- 25 Sept 2025, 08:46:24 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: Ex-J&K DGP SP Vaid calls Leh violence a ‘deep-rooted conspiracy’
Ladakh protest live updates: Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid has claimed that the violent clashes in Leh during activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike were not spontaneous but part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” designed to disrupt talks between Ladakh’s leadership and the Centre.
Highlighting what he described as a wider conspiracy, Vaid referred to Wangchuk’s earlier comments comparing Ladakh’s struggle to Nepal’s Gen Z protests. He told ANI on Wednesday: “Just look at Sonam Wangchuck's talk about the Arab Spring. He appreciates the overthrow of the Nepal government by Gen Z... Seems like a deep-rooted conspiracy... After all, someone responsible should be identified, and strict legal action should be taken... They should be booked under the Public Safety Act and charged for instigating violence.”
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- 25 Sept 2025, 08:32:17 AM IST
Ladakh protest live updates: 4 dead, dozens injured in Leh clashes; Centre claims calm restored
Ladakh protest live updates: At least four people lost their lives and 80 others, including 40 police personnel, were injured in violent protests in Ladakh over the demand for statehood. The unrest, which erupted on Wednesday, saw incidents of arson and street clashes.
As dusk fell on what was described as the worst day of unrest in the cold desert region since 1989, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his fortnight-long hunger strike demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, while authorities imposed a curfew in Leh district.
Groups of young protesters engaged in arson and vandalism, attacking the offices of the BJP and the Hill Council, and torching vehicles. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed in large numbers throughout the town, fired tear gas shells to restore order, according to officials.