Protests Erupt in Ladakh Over Statehood and Sixth Schedule Demands

The Union Territory of Ladakh has witnessed significant unrest and violent protests following demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The agitation, which escalated last week, is marked by calls from various activist groups, including renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been a prominent voice advocating for these changes.

On August 5, 2019, Ladakh was carved out of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and designated as a Union Territory. This change was part of a broader shift in governance, as the region has historically been sensitive due to its geographical positioning and past conflicts, notably the Galwan clash with China in 2020. While the transformation into a Union Territory was seen as a fulfillment of long-standing local demands, calls for greater autonomy have intensified in recent years.

Escalation of Protests and Government Response

In January 2023, the Indian government established a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to address the aspirations of Ladakhi groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). However, dissatisfaction remained, leading to a resurgence of protests in late September 2025. As demonstrators took to the streets, the situation escalated, resulting in violence that left at least four people dead and numerous others injured.

During this period, Sonam Wangchuk initiated a hunger strike to amplify his demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. The Sixth Schedule provides for the establishment of autonomous councils in certain tribal areas of India, granting local governance powers aimed at protecting indigenous communities. Wangchuk highlighted that the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had previously promised such protections in its 2019 manifesto.

As protests grew, the violence reached a peak on September 26, when a mob attacked government properties, including the local BJP office. In response to the escalating violence, police resorted to firing, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Amidst the chaos, Wangchuk ended his hunger strike and left the protest site, which drew criticism from the authorities.

Legal and Political Implications

The Ministry of Home Affairs accused Wangchuk of inciting violence through his speeches, asserting that his rhetoric had motivated the mob’s actions. Consequently, he was arrested under the National Security Act, a controversial law that permits preventive detention. His arrest triggered a wave of reactions, including an appeal for his release from his wife, Geetanjali J Angmo, who characterized the detention as a violation of his rights.

In the wake of Wangchuk’s arrest, the Ladakh administration claimed he had encouraged self-immolation as a form of protest, drawing parallels to movements in other regions. They argued that his actions were irresponsible, particularly given the sensitive nature of Ladakh’s geopolitical situation.

As discussions around statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion continue, tensions remain high. The LAB and other local organizations have suspended talks with the government, demanding the withdrawal of all cases against individuals involved in the protests before negotiations can resume. Wangchuk’s legal team is set to challenge his detention in the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for October 6, 2025.

The situation in Ladakh highlights the complex interplay between local aspirations for autonomy and the broader national security concerns that the region embodies. With the stakes increasingly high, the future of Ladakh’s governance remains uncertain as both local leaders and the central government grapple with these pressing demands.