Leh, Ladakh – A large number of people took to the streets in Ladakh on Wednesday after being mobilized through social media platforms. Although not under the name of a “Gen Z movement” like in Nepal, the demonstrations drew massive crowds demanding full statehood for Ladakh.

The protests turned violent in Leh as clashes broke out between students and security forces. Demonstrators set fire to the local BJP office, pelted stones at police, and torched a CRPF vehicle. Following the violence, the administration imposed a ban on rallies and gatherings without prior permission.

The protesters were showing solidarity with social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for 15 days. The violence flared after demonstrators called for a shutdown to press their demands, which include:

Full statehood for Ladakh

Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule

Separate Lok Sabha seats for Kargil and Leh

Priority recruitment of locals in government jobs

Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after the violence and urged authorities to address the four-point demand.

The Indian government had revoked Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019, splitting Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. At that time, the government had promised to restore statehood once the situation normalized.

The next round of talks on Ladakh’s demands is scheduled to take place in Delhi on October 6.