A mob violence incident erupted in Leh, Ladakh, on Wednesday during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule extension. The unrest left four dead and over 80 injured, including 40 police personnel. Authorities quickly imposed a curfew to restore order.
The government blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, alleging his provocative speeches, referencing the Arab Spring and Nepal Gen Z protests, incited the mob. Wangchuk ended his two-week hunger strike calling for statehood, but the Ministry of Home Affairs claimed he continued misleading the public despite multiple appeals to halt the strike.
On September 24, protesters attacked a political party office and the Government office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEC) in Leh, setting buildings ablaze, destroying property, and assaulting security forces. Police were forced to fire in self-defense, resulting in casualties.
The government emphasized that the High-Powered Committee (HPC) had made significant progress: increasing Scheduled Tribe reservations from 45% to 84%, reserving one-third of council seats for women, and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. Recruitment for 1,800 posts had also begun.
Authorities confirmed that by 4 PM, the situation was under control and urged the public not to circulate old provocative videos. The government reiterated its commitment to providing constitutional safeguards for Ladakh while condemning the violent actions.
