On September 25, 2025, authorities imposed a strict curfew across Leh and several other towns in Ladakh in the wake of violent clashes that left at least four people dead and more than 80 injured. The crackdowns began following a shutdown called by the, which demanded expedited talks with the Centre on statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

Security forces, including police and paramilitary units in riot gear, were heavily deployed in key towns such as Kargil, Zanskar, Nubra, Padam, Changtang, Drass, and Lamayuru, enforcing prohibitory orders that banned assembly of five or more persons and restricted use of loudspeakers and public address systems without authorization.

Police officials confirmed that about 50 people were detained overnight for alleged involvement in violence that included arson attacks on the BJP office in Leh, vehicle torching, and vandalism of the Hill Council headquarters. The unrest intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a fortnight-long hunger strike supporting these demands, called it off amidst the violence.

According to authorities, three injured persons were reported to be citizens of Nepal, prompting investigations into potential foreign involvement in instigating the rioting. The home ministry reiterated its commitment to constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s people while condemning the violence and urging peace.

The curfew and prohibitory measures, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, have also placed strict restrictions on public speeches and demonstrations in an effort to preclude further unrest. Kargil District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar emphasized these measures aim to maintain law and order while allowing for future constitutional dialogue.

The conflict escalated when two of the hunger strike participants were hospitalized due to deteriorating health, inciting protests led by LAB’s youth wing. In a rare public address, Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta called the events heart-wrenching and asserted that the curfew was a “precautionary measure” to protect lives. He vowed that those responsible for the violence would face strict legal action.

Sonam Wangchuk appealed for calm, urging youth not to resort to violence, emphasizing that peaceful protest remains the path to progress. “This is the saddest day for Ladakh,” he stated, lamenting that their peaceful efforts were overshadowed by the chaos.

The next round of talks between LAD representative bodies and the Central government is scheduled for October 6, 2025, as all stakeholders seek a peaceful resolution to the demands for statehood and autonomy.