There was a clash between protesters and security forces on Wednesday (September 24, 2025) in Ladakh’s capital Leh. During the protest, the BJP office and CRPF car were set on fire. Police also pelted stones during violent clashes. There are also reports of the death of four people in this violence. More than 70 people are said to be injured.
What is the reason for protest?
After the removal of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a union territory. At that time, the government had assured that the state status would be restored again when the situation is normal, but this did not happen even after six years. This promise has increased the anger of the people.
Demand for protesters
The protesters want Ladakh to get full state status again. They are also demanding to implement the sixth schedule of the Constitution, so that they can get the right to take decisions at the local level. Apart from this, there is also a demand to make Kargil and Leh separate Lok Sabha seats and restore assembly seats as before.
What is the meaning of sixth schedule?
The sixth schedule of the Constitution gives special rights to tribal areas. Under this, an autonomous Zilla Parishad can be formed, which has the right to enact laws on land, forest, water, farming, mining and social affairs. This system is currently applicable in the northeastern states like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
Why do people want state status?
The people of Ladakh believe that after becoming the Union Territory, many of their rights were over. Now they cannot apply for the jobs of Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission and they are not represented in the assembly. They believe that with the implementation of the sixth schedule, they will get the strength to take decisions on their local issues again.
What is the difference between full state and union territory?
The entire state has its own assembly, chief minister and state government. This government enacts and enforces a law for its state. The state is free in most cases and the central government can intervene only on certain subjects.
The Union Territory is mainly controlled by the Central Government. Here the responsibility of the administration plays the Administrator or Lt. Governor appointed by the President. There are assembly in some union territories, but they do not have complete freedom to take decisions and in many cases they have to take approval of the central government.
How long has the movement continue?
This movement has been going on in Ladakh for about one and a half years. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk is under its leadership. In March 2024, he had a 21 -day fast, after which the government assured the talks. In September 2024, he also took out a padyatra from Leh to Delhi, but the Delhi Police took him into custody.