26 Ladakhis released in goodwill gesture after violent statehood protests
What's the story
The Indian government has released 26 men detained during violent protests in Ladakh last week. The protests were sparked by demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards. The release is seen as a goodwill gesture to defuse tensions and resolve the issue peacefully. The men were welcomed with khatas, ceremonial white scarves symbolizing honor and respect in the Himalayan region, as they exited Leh District Jail on Thursday morning.;
Protest details
Protests turned violent, resulting in deaths and injuries
The protests were triggered by a pro-statehood movement that has been brewing for four years. The immediate trigger was the hospitalization of activists on a hunger strike and frustration over stalled talks with the government. The unrest resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces, leaving four people dead and dozens injured. A CRPF vehicle was vandalized, and BJP's Leh office was also torched during the violence.
Arrest backlash
Arrest of key activist and demands for judicial probe
Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, a key figure in the pro-statehood movement, was arrested three days after the violence. He was charged under the National Security Act and is accused of instigating violence—a claim he denies. The arrest of Wangchuk further fueled tensions in Ladakh. Wangchuk was shifted to Jodhpur jail after his arrest. On September 29, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which represents the Buddhist majority in the region, decided to boycott upcoming talks with the central government.
Political changes
Ladakh's journey since becoming a separate union territory
The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which represents Muslim communities, is demanding an impartial judicial probe into the September 24 incident, when security forces fired on protesters in Leh, killing four and injuring 90. It has also sought an apology from the Centre for labeling Ladakhi protesters as "anti-national" and "playing in Pakistan's hands." Ladakh became a separate union territory in August 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
Unresolved issues
Protesters' demands
The agitation for Ladakh's statehood has been going on since the region was made a Union Territory in 2019. Protesters are demanding statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They are also seeking government jobs for the region's educated but unemployed youth, separate Lok Sabha representation for Leh and Ladakh, and climate protection for the ecologically sensitive region.