Ladakh violence aftermath: Schools to remain shut through weekend as curfew continues

An uneasy calm continues to prevail in Ladakh, two days after violent protests shook the region. Police and paramilitary forces maintain strict curfew enforcement in Leh and surrounding areas following unrest that left four dead and around 90 injured during demonstrations demanding statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule protections.

Over 50 detained in connection with clashes

At least 50 individuals remain in custody in connection with the clashes that erupted on Wednesday, when the Leh Apex Body (LAB) called for a shutdown to press for constitutional safeguards and statehood for Ladakh. “The situation in the curfew-affected areas remains under control with no new incidents to report,” a senior police official told PTI.

Educational institutions to remain closed

In response to ongoing tensions, the Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk has ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres, through the weekend.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike, condemns violence

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had launched a hunger strike earlier this month to support the demands, ended his fast following the escalation of violence. He condemned the unrest, stating, “This is the saddest day for Ladakh... the path we are treading for the last five years was peaceful.” He urged the youth to “stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause.”

Centre blames activist, investigates foreign involvement

The Centre accused Wangchuk of inciting the violence through “provocative statements”. The Union Home Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional safeguards while investigating possible foreign involvement in the unrest, noting that three of the injured were Nepalese nationals.

Wangchuk denounces government allegations

Wangchuk dismissed the government’s allegations as a “scapegoat tactic” designed to avoid addressing the region’s deeper issues. He stated he is prepared to face arrest under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA). “They may be clever in making somebody else a scapegoat, but they are not wise. At this time, we all need wisdom rather than 'cleverness' because youths are already frustrated,” he said.

Prohibitory orders extended to Kargil and other towns

In addition to Leh, strict prohibitory orders banning assemblies of more than five people are in effect in other key towns including Kargil, where the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had called a parallel shutdown.

Lt Governor calls violence “heart-wrenching”

Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta described Wednesday's violence as “heart-wrenching” and the result of a “conspiracy”, while assuring the public that those responsible are being held accountable. Gupta emphasised that the overall security situation in the Union Territory remains stable.

Families receive bodies of deceased for last rites

The families of the four deceased—Tsewang Tharchin, Stanzin Namgyal, Jigmet Dorjay and Rinchen Dadul—have received their loved ones’ bodies for last rites, which will be conducted in accordance with family traditions in Leh. LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay visited the hospital to pay respects and met with administration officials to coordinate funeral arrangements.

Injured patients receiving critical care

The critically injured continue to receive treatment, with one patient with a lung bullet injury airlifted to Delhi for specialised care.

KDA demands fair probe, condemns harassment

The KDA has demanded a fair investigation into the violence and called on the administration to halt what it described as “witch hunting” and harassment. The alliance defended Wangchuk, criticising the government’s attempts to blame him.

Political reactions: Opposition blames BJP

Political reactions have been intense. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for peace while defending the Congress party and criticising the BJP for shifting blame. Opposition groups accused the ruling BJP of betraying promises on Ladakh’s statehood and restoration of powers, fueling public anger.

Congress calls demands legitimate; CPM condemns repression

The Congress described the unrest as a crisis of the government’s own making, calling the demands for constitutional safeguards “legitimate” and “just”. CPM condemned the UT administration’s “brutal repression”, which it blamed for the tragic loss of lives.

Other political leaders speak out

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal expressed alarm over the developments and urged solidarity with Ladakh’s people. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attributed public outrage to BJP’s broken promises, stating, “Profiteering is not the only form of corruption, breaking promises is also corruption.” Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti blamed the Centre’s “wrong policies” for triggering the protests, while veteran Congress leader Karan Singh called on the government to carefully address youth demands, including constitutional protections.

FCRA Licence cancelled, CBI probe launched on Wangchuk’s institutions

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by Wangchuk, citing alleged irregularities. The CBI has launched an investigation into alleged FCRA violations by the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), also founded by Wangchuk.

Ongoing agitation and upcoming talks

The agitation, led by LAB and KDA, demanding Sixth Schedule extension and statehood, is set for further discussions with the Centre on October 6.

PTI