Leh Protest: Students Clash With Police, Demand Full Statehood For Ladakh, Wreak Havoc On Streets

In Ladakh’s Leh region, student protests supporting activist Sonam Wangchuk turned violent today as demonstrators clashed with police. The students, demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, took to the streets in large numbers, forming human chains to resist being dispersed.The protests escalated quickly, with demonstrators setting vehicles on fire and targeting government buildings. Security forces responded with lathi-charge to control the crowd, and several minor injuries were reported. A CRPF vehicle was also set ablaze during the unrest. The situation remains tense across Leh, with authorities maintaining a strong security presence to prevent further escalation.The student-led agitation is part of a larger movement pressing the central government to honor promises made when Ladakh was declared a Union Territory in August 2019. Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike continues to draw support, and the protests reflect widespread frustration over delayed political commitments. Local organizations coordinating the protests warned that public patience had reached its limit, signaling potential for further demonstrations if the government does not respond.Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further damage and ensure public safety, while protesters remain steadfast in their demands for political and administrative recognition.