The Ladakh Unrest: What Happened, What’s Being Asked, and What Parties Say

1. Background: What Led Up to This

• Since 2019, Ladakh (which was earlier part of the state of Jammu & Kashmir) has been administered as a Union Territory (UT) after the revocation of Article 370 and reorganisation.
• Local groups—principally the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—have been pressing for greater constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Some key demands have included:
  1. Statehood for Ladakh.
  2. Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (which gives special protections for tribal areas regarding land, governance, etc.).
  3. Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
  4. Job reservations/employment guarantee for Ladakhis.
• Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been a central figure in these protests. He has been fasting/hunger-striking (since Sept 10 in the recent cycle) with these demands.

2. The Spark: What Immediately Triggered the Violence

• On Tuesday evening (just before the clashes), two hunger strikers (elderly individuals, part of the fast) were hospitalised after their condition deteriorated. That acted as the flashpoint.
• Following that, youth groups called for a shutdown in Leh, and large crowds gathered at public places such as Martyrs’ Memorial Park.
• Protests then escalated: stone-pelting, setting fire to the local BJP office, and damage to police/CRPF vehicles. Police responded with tear gas, baton-charge, and ultimately live fire in some instances.

3. The Clashes & Aftermath (Chronological)

4. What the People Are Demanding (and Since When)

The demands have been consistent over the last few years, but reiterated and intensified recently. Key demands:

• Statehood: That Ladakh be recognised as a state rather than a Union Territory. This would give it greater control over its affairs.
• Sixth Schedule status: For constitutional protections, particularly for land, tribal governance, identity etc.
• Separate Lok Sabha seats: For Leh and Kargil.
• Job reservations/employment: Locals complain about lack of jobs, especially in higher positions / meaningful opportunities.

These have been pushed via peaceful means — fasts, talks, protests — but many say the government has delayed, made promises in manifestos which were not fulfilled (notably by the BJP), and the consultation/dialogue has been slow.

5. Political Responses & Accusations

BJP’s Side

• Accusations against Congress: BJP alleges Congress (particularly councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag) instigated or provoked the violence. Claim that Congress is using the unrest for political gain.
• Blaming “provocative statements”: The Union government (Home Ministry) says incidents were incited by “politically motivated individuals,” misleading or old videos/gossip being circulated.
• Defensive posture: The administration (Lt Governor etc.) has condemned the violence, expressed condolences, said those responsible will be held accountable. Also imposed curfew, prohibitory orders.

Congress & Opposition Response

• Congress says the crisis is the BJP’s fault: That promises from the BJP (for Sixth Schedule, jobs, etc.) have not been fulfilled, and that the government delayed responding to demands.
• Demand for inquiry/justice: They are asking for a judicial or forensic inquiry into how peaceful protests turned violent, who gave orders, etc.
• Defending that they didn’t incite violence: For example, Congress’s Udit Raj rejected the claim that Congress was behind incitement, saying Sonam Wangchuk has been leading the demand for months.

Also: Others

• Sonam Wangchuk: Emphasises that the movement has largely been peaceful, that violence was not planned, but was an outburst of pent-up frustration. He criticises broken promises (especially regarding Sixth Schedule) and joblessness among youth.
• Local bodies/groups: Leh Apex Body, Kargil Democratic Alliance have long been involved in dialogue (some formal committees set up), but complain about delays, non-fulfilment.

6. BJP’s Claim vs People’s Perception

• BJP says the violence was instigated / provoked by political opponents, and that law and order was violated. The government is keen to frame the issue partly as misbehavior, not only grievances.
• Locals/activists say that the deeper issues (autonomy, identity, land rights, ecology, joblessness) have been ignored; promises made but not kept. They say that when peaceful methods fail or are ignored, frustration boils over.

7. What Are They Asking For Now

• The immediate requests include:
  1. Dialogues: Start talks immediately. There was a scheduled meeting/talks on October 6 between Ladakh representatives and the Central Government.
  2. Investigation: An impartial and credible investigation into the deaths/injuries during the clashes.
  3. Protection of constitutional guarantees: Particularly, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Statehood. Job reservation. Separate MP seats. Land protections.
  4. Accountability: Those responsible (whether in the administration, police, or any other body) should be held liable for excessive force or negligence.

8. What BJP is Saying Now

• BJP has pointed to what it calls “provocative statements” and alleged instigation by Congress figures. It claims that Congress is politicising a movement that began with peaceful demands.
• It also argues that governments need law and order, and that some protesters crossed the line (i.e. torched property, etc.).
• At the same time, there are statements from administration (Lt Governor etc.) expressing sorrow, promising action against those responsible for violence.

9. The Stakes & Why It Matters

• Ladakh is strategically located (bordering China), environmentally fragile, and has a distinct cultural identity. Many in Ladakh feel that being a UT with less local legislative power leaves them vulnerable to decisions from New Delhi that may harm their land, culture, and environment.
• The issue of Sixth Schedule is not just symbolic. It carries protections over land rights, forest rights, power over land use, and local governance — crucial in a region with ecological stress and tourism pressures.
• The failure to deliver on promises or respond adequately to grievances leads to disillusionment, especially among younger people. Prolonged delay is seen as neglect, fueling anger.

10. What’s Next

• Dialogue meetings: Scheduled for October 6 between Ladakhi leaders/groups and the Central Government. The outcome of that will be important.
• Watch for investigations: Will there be a credible judicial or independent inquiry into the deaths? Both local demand and opposition parties are pushing for this.
• Government response: Whether the BJP / Central Government will commit in concrete ways (law amendments, constitutional guarantees, etc.) rather than just offering promises.
• Maintaining peace: Many voices are calling for non-violence, also cautioning that more force could worsen things.

Conclusion

The Ladakh incident is not just a sudden outburst; it’s the result of years of unaddressed grievances, broken or delayed promises, and a growing feeling among locals—especially youth—that their identity, environment, and political voice are being ignored. What people want is not radical: constitutional safeguards, statehood, jobs, protection of their land and rights.

Politically, the BJP is defending its position, accusing opposition parties of opportunism and highlighting law & order. Congress and others are pointing out promises unfulfilled and demanding accountability. What’s crucial going forward is whether the dialogue leads to real policy changes, not just rhetoric.