Leh Burns: Peaceful Anshan Ends in Violence, Talks Hang in Balance. Section 144 Imposed in Leh
LEH, Ladakh — A protest that started with silence and fasting has ended in fire and blood. Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike for Sixth Schedule rights and statehood took a violent turn on Wednesday as angry youth torched vehicles and government buildings in Leh.
The clashes between protesters and security forces left four people dead and over 70 injured, including nearly 40 security personnel.
Police lathicharge, tear gas, and later firing in self-defence deepened the chaos.
The UT administration quickly clamped down with Section 144 and prohibitory orders, and several youth were rounded up. Cases have been lodged against protest leaders.
A shaken Wangchuk ended his fast, saying his message of non-violence had been hijacked:
> “VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH. My peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to stop this nonsense. It only damages our cause.”
While the Home Ministry had invited Ladakhi leaders for talks on October 6, the bloody violence now casts doubt on whether dialogue will move forward smoothly.
The Centre has squarely blamed “provocative statements” by Wangchuk for guiding the mob, while locals accuse the administration of heavy-handed policing.
For Ladakh, the demands remain the same — Sixth Schedule safeguards, statehood, and protection of fragile ecology.
But with Wednesday’s unrest, the struggle risks being branded as lawlessness rather than legitimate grievance.
The next steps — arrests, trials, and whether talks go ahead — will decide if Ladakh’s fight strengthens or splinters under the weight of its own anger.
#LadakhViolence #SonamWangchuk #SixthSchedule #LehProtest #JusticeForLadakh
