A wave of grief and anger swept across Ladakh after four people were killed and dozens injured during protests in Leh Protests on Wednesday. By Thursday morning, Kargil observed a complete shutdown in solidarity with the victims, while authorities imposed strict restrictions and deployed heavy security to prevent any further violence. The unrest, rooted in demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, has once again brought Ladakh’s political aspirations into sharp focus.

🕊️ Calm Returns to Leh After Violent Protests

The situation in Leh Protests remained calm and under control on Thursday morning, a day after violent protests claimed four lives and left at least 50 injured. Officials confirmed that prohibitory orders are still in place across Leh and Kargil, restricting the assembly of four or more people. Security personnel have been deployed at key locations to prevent any further escalation.

🚫 Kargil Observes Complete Shutdown

In solidarity with the victims of Leh Protests, Kargil witnessed a complete shutdown. Shops, businesses, and public transport remained closed throughout the day. The Kargil administration also imposed restrictions on gatherings, while police and paramilitary forces patrolled the streets to maintain order.

Sajad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) stated, “There is a complete shutdown in Kargil. The call was given to protest the killings in Leh and to show solidarity with the people of Leh.” In a video message, he appealed to people to stay indoors and avoid violence, stressing, “Violence has no place in Ladakh.”

📜 Flashpoint: Statehood and Sixth Schedule Demands

The protests, spearheaded by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), stem from demands for Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Activist Sonam Wangchuk is at the forefront, mobilizing youth through hunger strikes to push for four key demands. However, what began as peaceful demonstrations turned violent on Wednesday, leading to clashes, police firing, and the torching of a local BJP office.

🙏 Voices of Concern and Condolence

A police officer in Leh confirmed that since Wednesday evening, there have been no further reports of violence. Security forces continue to monitor the streets, ensuring compliance with prohibitory restrictions.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric, expressed sorrow over the killings. He linked the unrest to the August 5, 2019 decision that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.

“The loss of lives is unfortunate and sad and it will always remind people of Ladakh that they should not resort to violence,” Mirwaiz said. He emphasized that the shutdown is both a moral responsibility and a form of protest, urging Ladakhis to uphold non-violence in their struggle.

✅ Final Word

The unrest in Ladakh is not just about a protest or a shutdown. It’s a struggle for identity, autonomy, and dignity. While authorities focus on law and order, the people of Ladakh are demanding a seat at the table to decide their own future. Peace will hold only if dialogue replaces confrontation.