Renowned climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike, marking a significant breakthrough in Ladakh's ongoing struggle for statehood on September 24, 2025. The protest started demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The protest was called off as the violent clashes in Leh resulted in 4 deaths and over 40 injuries.
Sonam Wangchuk, who spoke during a virtual press conference, said there was growing anger among Ladakh's youth since peaceful rallies were not generating results. According to the climate activist, the violent rallies on Wednesday were most likely provoked by the injuries of two elderly protestors, a 72-year-old man and a woman (62), on Tuesday.
Sonam Wangchuk conveys
"Two people were sent to the hospital yesterday. That seems to be the instant trigger... It influenced the younger generation. Ladakh youths banded together to declare a Ladakh bandh, and everyone came to the location where we were fasting. As the event continued with prayer and remarks, a group of young people stepped out to raise slogans. Later, we heard they went on a rampage, destroying police vehicles and the BJP office in Leh," Wangchuk addressed PTI.
On Wednesday, thousands of young people marched through Leh, demanding statehood for Ladakh and the inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule. The rallies got violent when the agitators set fire to the local BJP office and numerous vehicles before clashing with police. Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), local authorities in Ladakh's Leh district issued prohibitory orders that prohibited gatherings of five or more people.
According to Wangchuk, between 2,000-5,000 'Gen Z' youngsters walked to the streets after visiting the protest location on Wednesday, where prayers were held. "No one expected something like this to happen. Thousands turned out, and this situation was created.
The Central Government has scheduled discussions on October 6 to resolve the Ladakh inhabitants' concerns. Local leaders, however, are unhappy with the postponed schedule and have called for quicker talks to stop more disturbances.
