Four killed, Dozens injured during protest in Leh, BJP office burnt down

September 24, 2025 by News Desk

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At least four people were killed and over 70 others injured during violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Leh on Wednesday.

The unrest erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), demanding full statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to the region.

According to reports, tensions escalated after demonstrators attacked a BJP office and set a police vehicle on fire. Security personnel responded with teargas and baton charges. Protesters claimed the fatalities occurred due to police firing.

The protest was triggered by the deteriorating health of two individuals who had been on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, supporting the statehood and Sixth Schedule demands. Their hospitalization on Tuesday evening prompted the LAB youth wing to call for the shutdown.

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning gatherings of five or more people in Leh. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had also been on a 15-day hunger strike as part of the movement, ended his fast and urged protesters to maintain peace.

The unrest reflects growing frustration among Ladakh’s residents over political representation and governance since the region’s reorganization in 2019. A fresh round of talks between Ladakh representatives and the central government is scheduled for October 6.(With inputs from PTI)