Ladakh Protest Anniversary
Ladakh Marks Protest Death Anniversary With Marches And Calls For Statehood
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Key Points
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The protests reflect grievances dating to the 2019 decision to separate Ladakh from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and place it under direct central rule. Residents say the change weakened protections for land, jobs, resources and cultural identity, while sidelining the locally elected council.
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Commemorations extended beyond Leh: the Kargil Democratic Alliance held a march in Kargil, with hundreds taking part, including Socialist Party of India members and Delhi University students.
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Wangchuk spent six months in detention under the National Security Act over allegations that he incited violence; the government revoked his detention in March, citing the need to facilitate dialogue. The Central Bureau of Investigation also opened a preliminary inquiry into an institute he founded.
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Ladakh’s location bordering China and Pakistan adds strategic significance to the region, which has about 300,000 residents; roughly half are Muslim and around 40% Buddhist.
Ladakh observed the first anniversary of September 24, 2025 violence with marches, Buddhist prayers and a complete shutdown as hundreds demanded greater autonomy and constitutional protections. The commemoration marked one year since four people died during protests against the region's 2019 separation from Jammu and Kashmir and placement under direct central rule ABP Live.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led calls for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation, holding him politically responsible for the deaths. Wangchuk said he fears he could be killed in a police "encounter" for speaking out, while activists criticized the government's compensation package of ₹15 lakh per bereaved family as wholly inadequate Free Press Journal.
Four Deaths Sparked Year of Grief and Demands
The September 24 violence erupted during protests demanding statehood, elected governance and Sixth Schedule constitutional protections for Ladakh The News Now. Demonstrators say the 2019 decision stripping Ladakh of statehood weakened protections for land, jobs, resources and culture. Leh's shops shut and streets emptied as residents honored the four killed and injured India Today.
Wangchuk's Six-Month Detention and Unresolved Calls
Wangchuk spent six months detained under the National Security Act, facing allegations he incited violence Free Press Journal. The government revoked his detention in March to enable dialogue. The activist remains at the forefront of a movement demanding withdrawal of all protest-related cases, release of the judicial inquiry report, and justice for the killed and injured.
Despite talks between Ladakh representatives and the Union government, no breakthrough has emerged. Leaders insist the compensation package—₹15 lakh for bereaved families and ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh for injured people—fails to address the scale of loss and injury Daily Hunt.
Protests Expanded Beyond Leh Into Kargil
The anniversary movement extended across Ladakh's regions. The Kargil Democratic Alliance organized a march with hundreds of participants, including Socialist Party of India members and Delhi University students The News Now. The demonstrations underscore how deeply the 2019 separation decision continues to mobilize communities across Ladakh's Buddhist and Muslim populations.
Strategic Border Region With 300,000 Residents at Stake
Ladakh's location bordering China and Pakistan gives the region major strategic importance to India's security posture. Home to roughly 300,000 residents—about half Muslim and 40% Buddhist—the territory remains a flashpoint where local demands for self-governance collide with New Delhi's security interests ABP Live. Leaders like Wangchuk oppose any major governance changes or land transfers before establishing an elected body to represent the people.
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