What triggered ‘Gen Z’ protests in Leh, Ladakh? Explained in 10 points as Govt, Sonam Wangchuk trade barbs

By Admin

25 Sep, 2025

Violence erupted in Leh, Ladakh, on September 24 after weeks of peaceful demonstrations turned into clashes between protesters and security forces, leaving four people dead and over 70 injured. The unrest has been described by activist Sonam Wangchuk as a “Gen Z revolution,” reflecting the anger and disillusionment of young Ladakhis. The protests stem from long-standing demands for statehood, constitutional safeguards, and local governance since Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) in 2019.

Here are 10 key points that explain the developments and tensions in Leh, Ladakh:

1. Why is Ladakh protesting?

Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh was left without an assembly, placing it directly under central rule through the Lieutenant Governor. Initially welcomed, the UT status soon raised concerns over lack of political representation, job opportunities, and safeguards for Ladakh’s fragile ecology and tribal identity.

2. What happened on September 24?

Protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections turned violent in Leh. Protesters torched the BJP office, the Hill Council building, and a CRPF van. At least four people were killed, and more than 70, including 22 police personnel, were injured. Police resorted to firing after clashes escalated. A curfew was imposed across Leh district.

3. What was the immediate spark?

The violence followed a shutdown called after 15 hunger strikers were hospitalised. Protesters were angered that the Union government set October 6 as the next date for talks, which they felt was too late given the worsening health of demonstrators. Frustration boiled over into arson and street clashes.

4. Why the statehood demand?

Locals argue that the absence of an assembly weakens their ability to govern themselves. Concerns over joblessness, land rights, and unchecked centralised decisions such as large-scale infrastructure projects fuel the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, which would grant constitutional safeguards and autonomy to tribal areas.

5. Who was leading the protest?

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, well known for his environmental work and inspiration behind Aamir Khan’s character in 3 Idiots, spearheaded the hunger strike from September 10. His deteriorating health, along with other strikers, became the tipping point for the protests.

6. What did the government say?

The Union Home Ministry blamed Wangchuk for inciting the violence with “provocative” speeches referencing Arab Spring-style uprisings and Gen Z protests in Nepal. Officials accused him of breaking his fast and leaving for his village without calming the situation.

7. How did Sonam Wangchuk respond?

Wangchuk condemned the violence, calling it one of the “saddest days” of his life. He argued the unrest was not orchestrated but a spontaneous outburst of frustrated youth grappling with years of unemployment and unmet demands. He blamed the BJP for backtracking on promises made in 2020 and failing to address Ladakh’s grievances.

8. Did BJP blame the Congress?

Yes. BJP’s Amit Malviya accused Congress of instigating violence, citing a local Congress councillor seen in protest videos. The BJP linked the unrest to Rahul Gandhi’s recent calls for Gen Z to “save democracy,” drawing parallels with youth-led protests in Nepal that toppled the KP Sharma Oli government earlier this month.

9. What did Ladakh L-G and J&K leaders say?

Ladakh L-G Kavinder Gupta termed the clashes a conspiracy and blamed protest leaders for the deaths. Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that Ladakh wasn’t even promised statehood when UT status was granted, yet people now feel betrayed just as J&K residents remain disappointed with unfulfilled promises of statehood.

10. What happens next?

While calm has returned since September 24 evening, Leh remains under curfew with restrictions on assembly. The Union government has scheduled a High-Powered Committee meeting on October 6 to discuss Ladakh’s demands, with further talks planned in late September. Protest groups, however, remain skeptical of government promises.

Conclusion

The unrest in Ladakh is not merely about violent clashes but a reflection of deeper discontent over governance, representation, and livelihood opportunities. As Sonam Wangchuk described it, the “Gen Z revolution” highlights a generational frustration with unfulfilled promises. Whether the October 6 talks can address these long-standing demands will determine if Ladakh’s fragile calm holds or if protests resurface.