Protest in Ladakh over statehood demand turns violent - vehicles torched, stones pelted

The BJP office in Leh was set on fire during the violent clashes on Wednesday.

Violent clashes broke out in Leh on Wednesday between demonstrators and police during a protest organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), alleging the Union government’s and the administration’s failure to acknowledge their demands.

According to News18, the LAB youth wing had given a call for a protest and shutdown after two of the 15 people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were shifted to a hospital in Leh after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was also part of the ongoing agitation. On Monday, the LAB had announced that its leaders would not end their hunger strike until their demands of statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule are met.

The ongoing protest by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) turned violent today as demonstrators clashed with the police in the city, alleging the Union government's and the administration's failure to acknowledge their demands.

On Monday, the LAB had announced that its leaders would not… pic.twitter.com/5scauTrgX9

— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) September 24, 2025

BJP office targered

Multiple vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, while many resorted to stone pelting, as the protesters targeted the BJP office in the city.

A heavy police force was deployed, and teargas shells were fired as cops resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown. There were no reports of any injuries.

As per the report, this comes a couple of days after the LAB demanded an immediate meeting with the central government, warning that public patience is wearing thin.

Later, the Home Ministry announced that talks with the Ladakh delegation would be held on October 6 for the next round of discussions.

Sonam Wangchuk said the BJP had made a promise to include Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and stressed that the promise should be fulfilled before the upcoming Hill Council polls.

“If they fulfil their promise, Ladakh will vote for them and make them victorious. They will benefit the most, and vice versa. So we hope they will hold meaningful talks," Wangchuk had said.

He also stated that people had started growing impatient with the delays in the talks.

“We hope all issues are resolved peacefully. Our protest is peaceful, but people have started growing tired. They tell us we are getting nothing through peaceful protest. We do not want anything to happen that may be embarrassing for India. It would be better if peace prevailed," Wangchuk was quoted by News18 as saying.

“Our demands have been here for the last five years. Even the Constitution of India was framed in two years," he said.