After violent clashes in Leh and Kargil that left four dead and 70 injured, the government has imposed a curfew in Leh and enforced Section 163 in Kargil. The unrest was triggered by demands for statehood and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule.

The District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has imposed strict prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, effective immediately. These restrictions aim to maintain public order and prevent further disturbances. Under this order, people are prohibited from holding processions, rallies, public marches, or demonstrations without prior written permission. 

The use of loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or vehicle-mounted public address systems is also banned. Also, making public statements, speeches, or sending electronic messages that could disrupt peace or provoke conflict is prohibited. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has linked the recent violent protests in Leh, which resulted in casualties and property damage, to activist Sonam Wangchuk. The ministry accused him of misleading the public and inciting unrest.

The MHA’s statement says that Wangchuk had started a hunger strike on September 10, 2025, demanding statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The government, the statement added, has been actively engaging with local representatives through the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Several formal and informal meetings were held via the High-Powered Committee (HPC) and its sub-committee. These discussions have led to significant progress, including increasing reservations for Ladakh’s scheduled tribes from 45% to 84%, reserving one-third of council seats for women, and recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.

The MHA noted that the issues Wangchuk raised during his hunger strike are already part of the ongoing discussions within the HPC. Despite appeals from leaders to end the strike, he continued and reportedly misled people by referring to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal. On September 24, around 11:30 am, a mob allegedly influenced by his speeches left the hunger strike venue. It attacked a political party office and the government office of the CEC in Leh.

The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, with further discussions planned later this month. Meanwhile, a high-level MHA team will visit Leh today to assess the situation and meet with leaders from Leh and Kargil. The team is expected to stay for two days before returning to the national capital.