Authorities in Leh have imposed a curfew today, while Section 163 has been enforced in Kargil following violent clashes that resulted in four deaths and 70 injuries. The protests erupted over demands for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. As a precautionary measure, the District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with immediate effect to prevent any disturbance to public order. The order prohibits the following without prior written permission or authorisation. Processions, rallies, public marches, or demonstrations of any kind. Use of loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or vehicle-mounted public address systems. Public statements, speeches, or electronic messages likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ladakh-protest-protests-over-statehood-take-a-violent-turn-at-least-4-dead-1758773164507/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ladakh-protest-protests-over-statehood-take-a-violent-turn-at-least-4-dead-1758773164507/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. The MHA accused him of inciting unrest and misleading the public. The ministry reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue and highlighted progress made in previous discussions.&nbsp;''A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through the formal channel of the High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders. The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribes from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.'' it read.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-protests-what-is-sixth-schedule-of-constitution-that-protesters-are-demanding-1758728180882">Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding?</a>&nbsp;It further added, that ''The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal. On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh.''&nbsp;The next High-Powered Committee meeting is scheduled for October 6, with further discussions planned later this month. Meanwhile, a high-level Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team will arrive in Leh today to assess the situation and is expected to meet with leaders from Leh and Kargil. The team will remain in Leh today and tomorrow before returning to the national capital.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. 

Authorities in Leh have imposed a curfew today, while Section 163 has been enforced in Kargil following violent clashes that resulted in four deaths and 70 injuries. The protests erupted over demands for statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. As a precautionary measure, the District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with immediate effect to prevent any disturbance to public order. The order prohibits the following without prior written permission or authorisation. Processions, rallies, public marches, or demonstrations of any kind. Use of loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or vehicle-mounted public address systems. Public statements, speeches, or electronic messages likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ladakh-protest-protests-over-statehood-take-a-violent-turn-at-least-4-dead-1758773164507/embed The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. The MHA accused him of inciting unrest and misleading the public. The ministry reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues through dialogue and highlighted progress made in previous discussions. ''A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through the formal channel of the High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders. The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribes from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.'' it read. Also read: Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding? It further added, that ''The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal. On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh.'' The next High-Powered Committee meeting is scheduled for October 6, with further discussions planned later this month. Meanwhile, a high-level Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team will arrive in Leh today to assess the situation and is expected to meet with leaders from Leh and Kargil. The team will remain in Leh today and tomorrow before returning to the national capital.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement attributing the violent protests in Leh, which caused casualties and damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk.&nbsp;

Curfew in Leh, Section 163 in Kargil to prevent protests and Law and order situation

The Indian government on Wednesday (Sep 24) issued a big statement on the Ladakh protest that turned violent, killing at least four people and injuring as many as 70. Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in the protest. The government said that the demands on which the hunger strike was called were an “integral” part of the discussion with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. The MHA further claimed that the meetings of the high-powered committee (HPC) with Ladakh stakeholders ‘yielded phenomenal results,' adding that ‘politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made.’&nbsp;Coming down heavily at Wangchuk, the MHA said, “The demands on which Sonam Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike, he 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.”&nbsp;“Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4 PM. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation. The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards. It is also requested that the people should not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and on social media,” the MHA statement added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.&nbsp;<h2>Ladakh protest</h2>At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh. &nbsp;

The Indian government has come down heavily on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and blamed him for the violence in the Ladakh protest. The MHA said that the demands by Ladakh protesters were already discussed and were scheduled to be discussed further on Oct 6

The Indian government on Wednesday (Sep 24) issued a big statement on the Ladakh protest that turned violent, killing at least four people and injuring as many as 70. Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in the protest. The government said that the demands on which the hunger strike was called were an “integral” part of the discussion with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. The MHA further claimed that the meetings of the high-powered committee (HPC) with Ladakh stakeholders ‘yielded phenomenal results,' adding that ‘politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made.’ Coming down heavily at Wangchuk, the MHA said, “The demands on which Sonam Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike, he 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.” “Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4 PM. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation. The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards. It is also requested that the people should not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and on social media,” the MHA statement added. Earlier, issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Ladakh protest At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh.

The Indian government has come down heavily on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and blamed him for the violence in the Ladakh protest. The MHA said that the demands by Ladakh protesters were already discussed and were scheduled to be discussed further on Oct 6

Indian government blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest: 'Provocative mentions of Arab Spring, Nepal GenZ protest'

At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-ladakh-witness-deadliest-august-over-122-dead-300-injured-in-weather-fury-1756550015055">J&amp;K, Ladakh witness deadliest August: Over 122 dead, 300 injured in weather fury</a><h2>How the L-G reacted?</h2>Issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Lt Governor also appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood, and to refrain from being misled by elements attempting to disrupt the social fabric and public order. He said, “Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence. I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”Reiterating the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, Kavinder assured that all genuine demands of the citizens will be addressed in a just and timely manner.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-s-first-all-women-high-altitude-bike-rally-from-srinagar-to-ladakh-kicks-off-in-kashmir-1758610801339">CRPF’s first all-women high-altitude bike rally from Srinagar to Ladakh kicks off in Kashmir</a><h2>What are the key demands of the protesters?</h2>The key demands of the protesters include statehood for Ladakh, implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and more. Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory in August 2019, after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh, including Wangchuk, had welcomed the move. But a political vacuum soon added to discontentment. People of the region accused the Centre of neglecting them and undermining their rights with only a focus on Jammu and Kashmir. There have been a couple of rounds of talks with the Centre, but they have not yielded any results because the BJP-led Centre has outrightly rejected the core demands. The members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are negotiating with the Centre and are scheduled to meet again on October 6. The major demands include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Statehood for Ladakh&nbsp;</li><li>Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution</li><li>Setting up a separate public service commission for Ladakh</li><li>Two parliamentary seats for Ladakh, as against the one it has for now</li></ul>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-with-police-stone-pelting-fire-at-bjp-office-why-are-gen-z-protesters-agitating-in-ladakh-1758711898684">Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why are Gen Z protesters agitating in Ladakh?</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Violent protests in Leh left 4 dead and over 70 injured after a hunger strike escalated. Protesters demand statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and more. Sonam Wangchuk urged peace, while the L-G condemned the violence and promised to address genuine demands in upcoming talks.

At least four people were killed and more than 70 others were injured as violent protests erupted in Leh on Thursday (Sep 24), with protesters clashing with police forces. The protest that primarily started as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15 turned into a massive shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. People took to the streets and blocked several major roads. During the course of the shutdown, protesters clashed with police forces, set the BJP headquarters ablaze, and pelted stones at security officials. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a crucial part in organising these protests, called off the hunger strike and urged people to stop violence. Meanwhile, the administration imposed curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An official order said assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh. Read More | J&K, Ladakh witness deadliest August: Over 122 dead, 300 injured in weather fury How the L-G reacted? Issuing his first response after the protest turned violent, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, “strongly condemned” the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, he directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He said that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Lt Governor also appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood, and to refrain from being misled by elements attempting to disrupt the social fabric and public order. He said, “Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence. I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability in the region.” Reiterating the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, Kavinder assured that all genuine demands of the citizens will be addressed in a just and timely manner. Read More |CRPF’s first all-women high-altitude bike rally from Srinagar to Ladakh kicks off in Kashmir What are the key demands of the protesters? The key demands of the protesters include statehood for Ladakh, implementation of the Sixth Schedule, and more. Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory in August 2019, after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time, many in Leh, including Wangchuk, had welcomed the move. But a political vacuum soon added to discontentment. People of the region accused the Centre of neglecting them and undermining their rights with only a focus on Jammu and Kashmir. There have been a couple of rounds of talks with the Centre, but they have not yielded any results because the BJP-led Centre has outrightly rejected the core demands. The members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are negotiating with the Centre and are scheduled to meet again on October 6. The major demands include: Statehood for Ladakh Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution Setting up a separate public service commission for Ladakh Two parliamentary seats for Ladakh, as against the one it has for now Read More | Clashes with police, stone pelting, fire at BJP office and 4 dead: Why are Gen Z protesters agitating in Ladakh?

Violent protests in Leh left 4 dead and over 70 injured after a hunger strike escalated. Protesters demand statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and more. Sonam Wangchuk urged peace, while the L-G condemned the violence and promised to address genuine demands in upcoming talks.

Ladakh protest kills 4, Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike - What are the key demands of protesters?

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Curfew in Leh, Section 163 in Kargil to prevent protests and Law and order situation

Indian govt blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest

Ladakh protest kills 4 - What are the key demands of protesters?