Just after 2 weeks of Nepal Gen Z protest, Ladakh is now facing the fire of unrest and protest. Although protest is not against any single dissatisfaction and rather a result of cumulated grievances. However the primary cause behind ongoing protest is considered to be the demand for statehood. After the government revoked article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 and gave the status of a union territory to Ladakh, a peaceful demand of granting a statehood or at least a UT with legislative assembly was always been in prevalence. Howeverthe peaceful movement transformed into the violence and unrest when youth of Ladakh set fire to the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) office and a CRPF van. As a result four people were killed and over 70 injured. Cerfew has been imposed in Leh and police alongside paramilitary forces has been deployed in large numbers across the town to restore order. Union ministry has announced that no further violence took place after 4 p.m. and claiming the situation to be under control. Activist Sonam Wangchuk condemning the violence brought an end to his 15 day hunger strike in order to help stabilise the situation.
Causes behind protest
Initially the step of separatehood from Jammu and Kashmir was welcomed in Ladakh but over the time citizens have felt unheard and ignored with no representative to put up their voices. Being a union territory it has no elected government and is run by bureaucrats appointed by central government. Having an elected government would enable locals to make laws on critical subjects like land, culture and jobs. Demands also include recognition under sixth schedule of Indian constitution ( Sixthschedule of Indian constitution provides for safeguarding the rights of Tribal people by creation of Tribal councils). Protesters want to protect UT’s unique tribal identity, land and culture from outside exploitation. Massive migration and unchecked landbuying possess threat to the demography and cultural sustainability of Union Territory.
Youths being the new spotlight of protests, are demanding for job security (Enactment of laws to safeguard government jobs, a major source of employment for locals). Terrain and ecosystem of Ladakh being ecologically vulnerable and fragile, there is a big threat of land and resource exploitation by profit driven companies and corporations without any proper land protective laws. Unchecked Industrialisation and Unsustainable tourism drain local resources.
Why Gen Z are on the forefront in protest
Gen Z are well equipped with digital knowledge and are taking help of social media platforms like Instagram, X (twitter) and Whatsapp for better organization of protests as well to gain support. Better education and awareness helped them to connect better with outside people and as a result, protest has become not only a national but also the international headline. They have a better knowledge of global trends and a strong sense of identity, which binds them together with greater ease. They are fighting for their future and cultural existence and not just for any political cause.
Initial peaceful protest had started with the Sonam Wangchuk leading a hunger strike alongside Leh Apex Body (LAB) since 10th of September. However the situation escalated when there was no clear response seen from official side and some youths started stone pelting outside the BJP office. In response to it, the deployed police and paramilitary forces fired teargas to control them and the movement turned violent. Hunger strike was called off by Sonam Wangchuk post violence. He strictly condemned the use of violence and agreed to help in restoring the order.
How centre reacted to the protest
The government released the PIB (Press Information Bureau) on 24th September. The Press Release on Ladakh stated that a hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10thSeptember 2025 demanding 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It also stated that Government was already engaging with Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on same issue. The reservation for Ladakh scheduled tribe was increased from 45% to 84% providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and also declared Bhoti and Purgi as official language. Along with it a process for recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced. A meeting of High-Powered Committee is scheduled on 6th October alongside two meetings with Ladakh leaders planned 0n 25th and 26th September.
It also mentioned that on 24th September at around 11:30 am a mob was instigated by the provocative speeches by Sonam Wangchuk, accussing him of breaking his fast and leaving for his village without making any serious efforts to control the situation. However the situation is mentioned to be under control and no violence took place after that. The government stated it standing committed to pople’s aspiration by providing adequate constitutional safeguards. Government requested people not to circulate the old and provocative videos on social media (source taken from pib’s official site)
