Ladakh Violence: Centre Says Protests Fueled by Sonam Wangchuk’s Provocative Statements

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday said the recent violence in Leh over demands for full statehood in Ladakh was “guided by provocative statements” from activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Clashes erupted on Wednesday, leaving four dead and at least 59 injured, including 22 police personnel, as mobs engaged in arson and street violence. The situation was reportedly brought under control by 4 p.m., the ministry said.

BJP leaders accused the Congress of orchestrating the unrest. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged Congress councillor Stanzin Tsepang incited mobs and targeted the BJP office, claiming the protests were falsely portrayed as youth-led rather than politically motivated. Patra also linked the unrest to a “plan” by Rahul Gandhi and George Soros, a claim Wangchuk disputed, saying Congress lacked influence in the region.

The Home Ministry noted that Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which began September 10, focused on demands for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood. Dialogue with local leaders through the High Powered Committee (HPC) had already led to increased tribal reservations, women’s representation, official language recognition, and recruitment of 1,800 posts.

According to the ministry, politically motivated individuals sought to sabotage these efforts. On September 24, a mob, allegedly incited by Wangchuk’s rhetoric, attacked political and government offices, including torching a police vehicle. Wangchuk called off his hunger strike amid the violence.

The HPC plans further meetings on September 25, 26, and October 6 to continue discussions on the region’s demands.