Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Leh city, Ladakh, on Monday, pelting stones and even burning a police vehicle. This marks the first instance of violence during the ongoing statehood movement in the Union Territory.

The protesters, who have been observing a hunger strike, called for a complete shutdown today to press their demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards. They also attacked the BJP office in Leh. In response, police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the crowds.

The violence comes ahead of government talks scheduled for October 6 with Ladakh representatives to discuss the region's statehood demands. Over the past two weeks, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike calling for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Since being carved out as a separate Union Territory in August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh has witnessed growing unrest. Residents have repeatedly demanded statehood and protections to safeguard their land, culture, and resources.

Political and religious groups from Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil formed a joint platform, the Apex Body of Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, to press their demands. Despite a high-level committee and multiple rounds of talks, no breakthrough has been achieved.

In March, Ladakhi representatives met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, but the talks collapsed. A local leader who attended the meeting said,
“During the meeting, the Home Minister told us that he had made a mistake by carving out Ladakh as a separate Union Territory. He also rejected our demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule.”