The two major communities in the Ladakh union territory, Buddhist and Muslim bodies, have come together in demand of statehood

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Ladakh’s youth-led protest in demand of statehood becomes violent following the BJP office being set ablaze, and police reportedly firing teargas shells to disperse the crowd. Buddhist and Muslim bodies, the two major communities in Ladakh UT, have been together in this ongoing protest.

Ladakh Statehood Protest

At least 15 members of the youth wing of Leh Apex Body (LAB) have been on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10. However, two among the protestors had to shift to the hospital following deterioration of health on Tuesday evening. In response to the Government’s prolonged silence, LAB called for a protest and a shutdown.

The protest, which began in demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on the extension of the Sixth Schedule and statehood to Ladakh, turned violent with youths pelting stones at security guards.

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A police official informed, “the protestors torched a security vehicle outside the BJP office in Leh,” adding that “additional forces have been deployed to restore order”.

(Courtesy: X/@ANI)

Ladakh’s Demand for Statehood

Ladakh has been under central rule since August 2019, when it was made a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370. Initially, residents welcomed the decision, but soon they felt a political vacuum under the lieutenant governor's administration, leading to sporadic protests over the years. In response to that, the central government formed a high-level committee to look into these demands, but talks have been inconclusive.

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In March, political leaders from Ladakh met Home Minister Amit Shah in unproductive talks as core demands were rejected.

Sonam Wangchuk’s Request for Youth Protestors

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike, appealed to the youth to stop the violence. In a post, he said, “VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH. My message of a peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.”

Annual Ladakh Festival Cancelled

Following the violent outcome, the four-day annual Ladakh festival was cancelled on the last day.

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"The administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has announced cancellation of the last day and closing ceremony of the ongoing Ladakh Festival due to unavoidable circumstances. The administration deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to all stakeholders, including local artists, cultural troupes, tourists, and the people of Ladakh who were eagerly looking forward to the event,” the Department of Information and Public Relations said in a statement.

A fresh round of talks is now scheduled between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, comprising members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), on October 6.

A couple of weeks ago, Gen Z protesters toppled the Nepal government, which is a symbol of youth no longer willing to stay a mute spectator. Now, Ladakh’s youth are rising too, proving this generation is ready to confront power structures head-on.

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