Leh Protests Turn Violent: BJP Office Torched, Centre-Ladakh Talks On Oct 6—What Travellers Should Know

Massive protests erupted on the streets of Leh on Wednesday, September 24 as demonstrators clashed with police. The scuffle escalated leading to the torching of a BJP office and a police vehicle in the city. The unrest was triggered by demands of statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. As a response to the escalating tension, the Union government has scheduled talks with the Ladakh representatives on October 6 to address their concerns.Protests Escalate Into ViolenceThe demonstrations, led primarily by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), initially began peacefully but escalated when protestors allegedly threw stones at police and set fire to the BJP office and a security vehicle. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds.The violence marks a significant intensification of the agitation, ongoing since the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on a three-week hunger strike, has been a key figure in the movement.Clashes On A Day Of ShutdownA complete shutdown ‘Ladakh Bandh’, called by the protestors, after the hospitalisation of two out of the fifteen people on hunger strike, was to be observed across Leh, with shops and businesses closed and public transport halted. The shutdown aimed to pressure the Centre to expedite talks regarding statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion. The clash broke out amid the shutdown.The protests reflect long-standing concerns over governance and political representation, particularly after Ladakh was designated a Union Territory without a legislature.Centre Schedules Talks For October 6The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that dialogue between the Centre and Ladakh representatives would resume on October 6. Members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), advocating for greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards, will participate.In addition, Wangchuck, who had been on a hunger strike since three weeks brought it to an end in the wake of violence that erupted earlier today and appealed for peace and containment of anger among the protestors.Travel Advisory for VisitorsAlthough no official travel advisory has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs or state authorities yet, travellers in Ladakh are advised to exercise caution. Those in Leh or Kargil should avoid protest sites, crowded areas, and streets around administrative offices, particularly Potala Road and areas near the BJP office, until the situation stabilises.If stranded, visitors can:Contact local authorities for updates on safe routes and temporary shelter.Keep in touch with family and friends via mobile or social media.Register with their embassy or consulate if they are international tourists.Follow local news and announcements from the Ladakh Police for guidance on curfews or restricted zones.Domestic travellers should avoid non-essential movement in Leh and Kargil districts until after the October 6 talks.The Road AheadThe October 6 talks are seen as a crucial opportunity to address Ladakh’s concerns and restore normalcy. All the recent talks between Ministry of Home Affairs and the protestors and concerned political delegates from Ladakh have resulted into stalemate.Authorities have increased security in both Leh and Kargil districts to maintain order, and the public remains hopeful that dialogue will bring a peaceful resolution.FAQsQ1. Why did protests erupt in Leh?Protests erupted over demands for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. Demonstrators clashed with police, leading to the torching of a BJP office and a security vehicle.Q2. When will the Centre-Ladakh talks resume?The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled talks with Ladakh representatives, including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, on October 6, 2025.Q3. Has a travel advisory been issued for Leh?No official travel advisory has been issued so far. However, travellers are advised to exercise caution, avoid protest sites, and monitor local news and police announcements.Q4. What should travellers do if stranded in Leh or Kargil?Visitors can contact local authorities for updates, stay in touch with family, register with their embassy if international, and avoid non-essential movement until the situation stabilises.Q5. Who are the key figures in the protests?Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on a hunger strike for several weeks, has been a prominent figure. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are leading the negotiations with the Centre.(With inputs from various sources.)Ladakh Travel Guide 2025: Places To Visit, Things To Do & Top Stays