Protests in Ladakh, India, demanding statehood for the region escalated into violence, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police. Eyewitness reports suggest that three to five people may have been killed by police gunfire, although no official casualty figures have been confirmed. Police employed tear gas and batons to disperse protesters, leading to numerous injuries, some critically, according to local residents.

In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a ban on gatherings of more than five people in Leh, the capital. These protests stem from a larger movement advocating for statehood and greater autonomy over local resources, following the loss of Ladakh’s autonomy in 2019 when it was restructured by the Indian government. Protesters are seeking inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would provide special status and governance rights for tribal areas.

Local activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended a hunger strike, expressed disappointment over the escalation of violence and urged the youth to abandon disruptive tactics. In a public notice, District Administrator Romil Singh Donk reiterated the ban on protests and inflammatory speech. Despite multiple discussions with the central government, activists claim their demands remain largely unaddressed. Further talks are anticipated on October 6.



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