Students and police clashed during Sonam Wangchuk's protest in Leh; the BJP office and a CRPF vehicle were set on fire.

Posted on 24th Sep 2025 by rohit kumar

A protest is underway in Leh, demanding full statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh. Violent clashes have erupted between protesting students and police. The protesting students set fire to the BJP office in Leh. Furthermore, a CRPF vehicle was also set on fire.

 

Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 15 days, demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.

 

This sparked a controversy.

In fact, angry protesters clashed with police this morning in Leh, Ladakh. Tensions escalated to such an extent that protesters pelted stones at police and even set a CRPF vehicle on fire. This is the first incident of violence in Ladakh during the statehood movement.

 

The ongoing protest in Ladakh, demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, entered its 14th day on Wednesday. The situation in Leh arose after two female protesters fell ill and were hospitalized.

 

Violent clash with the police

Protesters, identified as Anchuk and Anchuk Dolma, fainted during the protest and were taken to a nearby hospital. This incident sparked unrest at the gathering, leading to stone-pelting at the Leh Hill Council building. A large number of security forces were deployed to control the situation.

 

Suddenly, the protesters turned violent and clashed with the police. They attacked the BJP office in Leh and pelted stones at security personnel. Climate activist and teacher Sonam Wangchuk, who is leading the protest, had previously insisted that the BJP fulfill its promise of including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution before the upcoming Hill Council elections.

 

The central government has set a date for a decision on the matter.

The protests are being led by people from Ladakh, who are demanding statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Organizers said the central government has set October 6 as the date for a decision on the matter, but protesters are demanding a solution before then. A protest leader said, "Our demand is immediate action. The people of Ladakh cannot wait any longer."

 

Sajjad Kargali, a member of the organizing committee in Kargil, stated that Kargil will observe a complete shutdown tomorrow, Thursday, in support of the protest. He said the movement is gaining momentum. Kargil will be shut down tomorrow to show solidarity and send a strong message to New Delhi.

 

Women are also participating in the protests.

For the past two weeks, the protests have drawn large crowds, with men, women, and youth actively participating. Protesters are demanding constitutional protections and political rights for Ladakh, while authorities have tightened security around sensitive buildings and protest sites.

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