**4 Dead, Curfew Imposed as Ladakh’s Statehood Protests Turn Hostile**
*By Chanshimla Varah | September 24, 2025 | 6:11 PM*
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As many as four people lost their lives and around 70 others were injured when protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule in Leh, Ladakh, turned violent on Wednesday. The unrest saw protesters torching a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office and a security vehicle.
The demonstrations were led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), whose youth wing called for the protest after two of the 15 people on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 were hospitalized.
### Escalation of Unrest and Security Measures
The situation escalated when a group of youths allegedly pelted stones at police personnel. In response, authorities employed teargas and baton charges to control the crowd.
To restore order, additional security forces have been deployed in Leh. The Union administration in Ladakh also imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Under the curfew, assemblies of five or more persons are prohibited, and no parades, rallies, or marches can take place without prior written approval.
### Political Context and Demands
The protests come amid growing concerns over Ladakh’s political future. A fresh round of talks between the Central government and Ladakh representatives is scheduled for October 6. However, protesters are demanding an earlier meeting due to the ongoing hunger strikes and community anxieties.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, Ladakh has been a Union Territory without a legislature, unlike Jammu & Kashmir, which has a legislative assembly. While the initial bifurcation was welcomed by residents, many have since expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as a political vacuum under the lieutenant governor’s administration.
### Hunger Strikes and Political Engagement
The protests gained momentum with the hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Although Wangchuk has ended his strike amid rising tensions, others continue to press for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections.
The Central Government had established a high-level committee to address these demands, but discussions have so far failed to yield concrete outcomes. In March, Ladakhi leaders met with Home Minister Amit Shah, but talks collapsed after demands were reportedly rejected.
The situation remains tense as the community awaits further dialogue and solutions to their political status and administrative concerns.
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