4 dead as Ladakh Sixth Schedule protests turn violent; BJP office torched

At least four people died on Wednesday as massive protests over demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent in Leh, Ladakh, reported India Today. Demonstrators clashed with police, pelted stones, and set fire to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in the town.

 

According to media reports, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle was also set on fire. In retaliation, the police used tear gas and baton charges against the protestors. Additional forces have been deployed in the region to restore order.  Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday said the recent violence was orchestrated as part of a conspiracy to disturb the region’s peaceful atmosphere. He asserted that violence would not be tolerated and warned that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.   

The protests broke out as two of the fifteen people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were hospitalised after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday. The hunger strike was led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

 

Condemning the violent clashes, in an X post, Wangchuk said, "Very sad events in Leh. My message of a peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause." Wangchuk also ended his 15-day hunger strike, telling supporters that he doesn't want more trouble, PTI reported. 

Talks scheduled for Oct 6

According to a PTI report, a fresh round of talks is scheduled on the matter between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, including members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), on October 6.

 

Amid the ongoing tensions, the four-day annual Ladakh festival was also cancelled on the last day. According to PTI, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta was supposed to attend the closing ceremony of the festival that started on Sunday.

What is Ladakh demanding?

To address the demands for job reservations, language recognition, and political representation, the Centre issued a few regulations for Ladakh under Article 240, instead of granting the Sixth Schedule status, which was widely requested, but the people were not satisfied. They are demanding the Sixth Schedule because of the following reasons: 

 

Constitutional protection: Regulations under Article 240 can be revoked or amended unilaterally by the Centre, but Sixth Schedule status is constitutionally protected, ensuring stronger autonomy and security for local governance.

 

Safeguards for land rights: It can restrict non-domiciles from buying land in Ladakh, which the people consider crucial for protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem from unregulated tourism and infrastructure expansion.

 

Legislative autonomy: It provides for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with powers to legislate on land, forests, water resources, education, and customary laws.

 

Cultural and linguistic recognition: The status would help preserve Ladakh’s indigenous languages, such as Bhoti and Purgi. It ensures education in local languages and allows their use in official communication.