(New York) – In a tragic turn of events on September 24, 2025, four individuals lost their lives in Leh, the capital of India’s picturesque Himalayan region of Ladakh, during protests demanding statehood that spiraled into violence. According to Human Rights Watch, police opened fire on demonstrators, igniting widespread unrest and resulting in numerous injuries, including among law enforcement officials.
In the wake of the turmoil, authorities swiftly imposed a curfew and detained at least 50 individuals as clashes erupted between protesters and police. Demonstrators, frustrated by the government’s inaction, set fire to a local office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the chief executive councilor’s office, and a police vehicle.
Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, commented, “As recent protests across Asia have shown, people, especially young people, are frustrated over poor governance, lack of jobs, corruption, and empty promises made by their governments. Instead of blaming activists who are peacefully protesting, the authorities should exercise restraint and impartially investigate and punish those responsible for violence.”
The BJP-led central government has sought to shift the blame onto Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known educator and climate activist from Ladakh, who has been advocating for statehood through peaceful marches and hunger strikes. The Home Ministry accused Wangchuk of “misleading” the populace with references to movements like the Arab Spring and protests by Generation Z in Nepal.
In response to these accusations, Wangchuk appealed for calm, emphasizing that the unrest stemmed from the frustrations of young people facing unemployment and a government that fails to address their needs. He described the situation as a “Gen-Z revolution”—a desperate reaction to a lack of responsiveness from those in power.
Ladakh, which shares borders with both Pakistan and China, was part of Jammu and Kashmir until August 2019, when the Indian government revoked its special autonomous status, dividing the region into two centrally governed territories. Since then, local activists have rallied for statehood, political representation, and control over natural resources, supported by civil society groups such as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.
Wangchuk and 14 other activists were previously detained by Delhi police during a nearly 1,000-kilometer march from Leh to Delhi in October 2024. The march aimed to commemorate the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth, but authorities intervened to prevent the gathering. After being released, Wangchuk and his fellow activists were escorted to the Gandhi memorial on October 2.
On September 10, 2025, Wangchuk commenced a 35-day hunger strike, frustrated by delays in dialogue with the government regarding greater autonomy for Ladakh. However, following the violence that led to the four deaths, he called off the fast on September 25.
The Home Ministry stated, “The mob continued to destroy public property and attack police personnel. In self-defense, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported.” This justification has sparked outrage, as many question the appropriateness of using lethal force against demonstrators.
International guidelines, such as the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, strictly prohibit the use of firearms except in cases of imminent threat to life. Appropriate warnings must also be given before firearms are discharged, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the police’s actions.
Opposition parties in India have condemned the BJP for the violence, asserting that it reflects the government’s failure to address the legitimate demands of Ladakh’s residents. They argue that the unrest is a direct result of the BJP’s neglect and unfulfilled promises.
In a troubling development, media reports revealed that the Central Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry into an institution founded by Wangchuk, citing alleged violations of India’s foreign funding law, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Wangchuk has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that these allegations are politically motivated. Additionally, on September 25, the Home Ministry revoked the FCRA license for his nonprofit organization, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, which is known for its innovative educational practices.
The Indian government has increasingly targeted civil society organizations, utilizing the FCRA and other legal frameworks to suppress dissent. Activists, journalists, and academics critical of the government have faced harsh reprisals, including arrests and charges of sedition. Peaceful protests have been met with internet blackouts and social media censorship, as authorities seek to stifle dissenting voices.
Ganguly emphasized the need for the government to change its approach, stating, “The Indian government has repeatedly tried to silence dissent by jailing activists and peaceful protesters, blaming them for violence that is often in response to its repressive tactics. Instead of taking unlawful action to silence them, the Indian government should work with activists and protesting communities to address their grievances.”
As the situation in Ladakh continues to unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors the voices of the people while ensuring their safety and rights.
