'Clearly seen leading mob': BJP’s Amit Malviya accuses Congress councillor of instigating violence in Leh

BJP blames Congress after Leh protest over statehood demand spirals into clashes, arson

What began as a protest in Leh on September 24 to demand statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule quickly turned violent, leaving the region on edge. Demonstrators torched the BJP office, clashed with police, and set a police vehicle ablaze. Security forces were forced to use tear gas and baton charges to control the mob.

The unrest has now triggered a fierce political blame game, with the BJP and Congress trading accusations over responsibility for the violence.

Amit Malviya names Congress councillor

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya directly accused Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, who represents Upper Leh Ward, of leading the mob.

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… pic.twitter.com/o2WHdcCIuC — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 24, 2025

In a post on X, Malviya said the Congress leader could be seen at the forefront of the clashes, “instigating people to target the BJP office and the Hill Council building.” He linked the unrest to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s style of politics, suggesting the violence reflected the agitation encouraged by the party.

The BJP later amplified the charge by sharing images of Tsepag on social media, claiming he was involved in the arson and violence.

Congress stance and BJP’s counter

The Congress, meanwhile, has continued to back Ladakh’s demand for constitutional safeguards, land rights, jobs, and cultural protection. Local leaders have long pressed for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, arguing it is vital to protect the region’s fragile ecology and indigenous communities.

The BJP has countered by accusing the opposition of 'fuelling unrest' for political gain.

Sonam Wangchuk appeals for calm

Amid the rising tensions, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 15-day hunger strike on Wednesday, making a heartfelt appeal for peace.

VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshanpic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC — Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025

In a video posted on X, Wangchuk urged Ladakhi youth to step back from violence: “I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation. We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country.”

Wangchuk, who had earlier staged a 35-day fast demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, has become a rallying voice for Ladakh’s political future.

Talks with Centre next month

Fresh talks between Ladakh leaders and the central government are scheduled for October 6 in Delhi, keeping hopes alive for dialogue even as the ground situation remains tense.

For now, Ladakh finds itself caught between two narratives, a grassroots demand for constitutional safeguards and a political battle between the BJP and Congress over who is responsible for the violence that shook Leh.