Gen-Z protest breaks out in Ladakh; agitators vandalize BJP office, torch police vehicle

A massive protest and shutdown in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent on Monday, with a group of youths allegedly pelting stones and setting a security vehicle on fire outside the BJP office in Leh. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing agitation, which has been simmering for weeks. Police reportedly fired teargas shells and resorted to a baton charge to control the unruly crowd.

The protest, which brought life to a halt in the region, was a show of solidarity with the hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) youth wing. The hunger strike, which began on September 10, entered its 35th day, and the health of two protestors had deteriorated on Tuesday evening, leading to their hospitalization. This tragic development ignited the anger of the protestors, leading to the violence.

The demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status have been at the forefront of the agitation for a long time. The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram to safeguard the rights of the indigenous population. Ladakh, with its unique culture and fragile ecosystem, has been demanding similar constitutional safeguards to protect its land, jobs, and cultural identity.

The recent escalation comes despite a scheduled meeting between the Centre and representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on October 6. The protestors, however, are demanding that these talks be advanced, a demand that has so far been unmet. The delay has led to growing frustration among the people, who feel their concerns are not being taken seriously.

An official confirmed that a security vehicle outside the BJP office was torched during the protest. In response, additional forces have been deployed in the area to restore order and ensure the safety of citizens. The police are also investigating the incident to identify and take action against those responsible for the violence.