Protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status spiraled into violence today, leaving four people dead and 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. The clashes mark a dangerous turn in a strategically sensitive region that borders China and Pakistan, amplifying security concerns for New Delhi. Government sources alleged the unrest was orchestrated, accusing activist Sonam Wangchuk of pursuing personal ambitions and drawing inspiration from Arab Spring-style movements, while also pointing to provocative statements by Congress leaders.

Officials underlined that the Centre had already scheduled a high-powered committee meeting with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for October 6, with discussions to advance the talks to late September. “When dialogue was on the table, why provoke unrest in a fragile borderland?” one source questioned.

The violence saw a BJP office set ablaze and CRPF personnel targeted. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta alleged that mobs even tried to burn paramilitary forces inside their vehicle.

Calling off his two-week hunger strike, Wangchuk appealed for calm, warning that violence undermines Ladakh’s cause. The unrest comes as India faces heightened geopolitical pressures, making Ladakh’s stability crucial to national security and international optics.

Protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status spiraled into violence today, leaving four people dead and 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. The clashes mark a dangerous turn in a strategically sensitive region that borders China and Pakistan, amplifying security concerns for New Delhi. Government sources alleged the unrest was orchestrated, accusing activist Sonam Wangchuk of pursuing personal ambitions and drawing inspiration from Arab Spring-style movements, while also pointing to provocative statements by Congress leaders.

Officials underlined that the Centre had already scheduled a high-powered committee meeting with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for October 6, with discussions to advance the talks to late September. “When dialogue was on the table, why provoke unrest in a fragile borderland?” one source questioned.

The violence saw a BJP office set ablaze and CRPF personnel targeted. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta alleged that mobs even tried to burn paramilitary forces inside their vehicle.

Calling off his two-week hunger strike, Wangchuk appealed for calm, warning that violence undermines Ladakh’s cause. The unrest comes as India faces heightened geopolitical pressures, making Ladakh’s stability crucial to national security and international optics.