The Ministry of Home Affairs under the government of India on 24 September 2025 issued a statement regarding the violence that broke out in Leh, Ladakh, holding activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for inciting the mob.
According to the government, Wangchuk had begun a hunger strike on 10 September 2025 demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Officials stated that the Centre has been in active dialogue with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on these issues through a High-Powered Committee (HPC), a sub-committee, and several informal meetings.
The government said this mechanism had already yielded phenomenal results, including increasing reservation for Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh from 45% to 84%, one-third reservation for women in the councils, and the declaration of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. Recruitment for 1,800 posts had also been initiated.
However, the statement alleged that “certain politically motivated individuals” were unhappy with the progress and were attempting to sabotage the dialogue. The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, while additional meetings with Ladakhi leaders are planned for September 25 and 26.
The government clarified that the demands raised by Wangchuk were already part of the discussions in the HPC. It said that despite appeals from many leaders to end his fast, Wangchuk continued and “misled people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen-Z protests in Nepal.”
On 24 September 2025, around 11:30 AM, a mob allegedly instigated by Wangchuk’s speeches left the hunger strike venue and attacked both a political party office and the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) in Leh. The statement said the protesters set these offices on fire, torched a police vehicle, and assaulted security personnel, leaving more than 30 police and CRPF personnel injured.
The mob reportedly continued to destroy public property and attack security forces. Police, in what was described as self-defence, resorted to firing, during which casualties were reported. The government said the situation was brought under control by 4 pm.
The statement alleged that amidst the violence, Wangchuk broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance “without making serious efforts to control the situation.”
The government reiterated its commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh by providing “adequate constitutional safeguards.” It also appealed to citizens not to circulate old or provocative videos on media or social media.
📢 Press Release on Ladakh
⭐ A hunger strike was started by Sh Sonam Wangchuk on 10-09-2025 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on…
— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 24, 2025
(With inputs from PIB)
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