Explained • Updated: September 28, 2025
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, recently saw large youth-led demonstrations that began peacefully but turned violent on September 24, 2025. The events shocked many because Ladakh is usually known for its calm, high-altitude landscapes and close-knit communities. This article explains, in simple words and clear points, what caused the protests, who led them, the detention of Sonam Wangchuk, and what may happen next.
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1. How Ladakh’s status changed in 2019
In 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory after the special status (Article 370) was removed from Jammu & Kashmir. Unlike Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh was not given a legislative assembly. This means many local decisions are made by the Lieutenant Governor and the central government rather than by elected local representatives.
2. A political vacuum and growing frustration
Because Ladakh has no assembly, people say there is a political vacuum. Locals feel they do not have enough control over issues like land use, jobs and local development. Over time, this grew into a larger demand for statehood and stronger local protections.
3. What people want: main demands
- Statehood: Many in Ladakh want full statehood so they can elect their own government.
- Sixth Schedule protections: These would protect land, local jobs and cultural identity for tribal communities.
- Jobs for locals: Young people want more government and private-sector jobs reserved for Ladakhis.
- Environmental safeguards: Locals want stronger rules to protect the fragile Himalayan ecology from unchecked development.
4. Sonam Wangchuk and the youth movement
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a peaceful call for change. In early September 2025 he launched a hunger strike backed by youth groups and the Leh Apex Body (LAB). The movement was mainly driven by Gen Z — young people who feel their future is at stake.
5. The immediate trigger
Authorities set a meeting with Ladakh leaders for October 6, 2025. Many protesters felt this timeline delayed urgent talks. At the same time, the health of about 15 hunger strikers worsened. These two factors increased public anger and impatience.
6. What happened on September 24
On September 24, a protest in Leh that began peacefully escalated into violence. Buildings and vehicles, including a political party office and a force vehicle, were set on fire. Clashes with security forces led to at least four deaths and multiple injuries. The security forces say they used force in self-defence.
7. Government and Wangchuk’s responses
The central government said the unrest followed provocative speeches and accused some leaders of inciting violence. Sonam Wangchuk rejected this claim and said the violence was the result of long-standing anger, broken promises and the lack of timely action by authorities.
8. Detention of Sonam Wangchuk
Following the unrest, Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). He was moved out of Ladakh and transferred to Jodhpur. Supporters argue this was an attempt to silence a peaceful movement, while authorities say it was done for security reasons.
9. Political reactions
Political parties blamed each other. The ruling party accused the opposition of instigation, while regional leaders pointed to unfulfilled promises of statehood. This blame game added to the tensions instead of calming the situation.
10. Steps taken after the clashes
Curfews and restrictions on public gatherings were imposed to restore order. A high-level meeting between Ladakh leaders and the Centre was announced for October 6, 2025 to discuss the demands and next steps.
11. What to expect next
If the October talks address core demands like statehood or Sixth Schedule protection, it may reduce tensions. However, if the talks are seen as slow or unsatisfactory, local anger could return. The detention of Wangchuk is likely to remain a key flashpoint in the debate. The role of youth and dignity of local voices will remain central to any long-term solution.
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