Ladakh protests: Curfew, internet shutdown, Wangchuk detained under NSA
Leh has been under curfew since Wednesday, September 24, 2025, after protests demanding Statehood and special safeguards turned violent.
The unrest occurred during an ongoing hunger strike by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), including activist Sonam Wangchuk, which had reached about 14-15 days.
Clashes between protesters and police left four people dead—two of them young—and about 150 injured.
Stone-pelting and arson broke out, with the BJP office set on fire.
Over 60 people have been arrested, and Wangchuk is now detained under the National Security Act.
What does this mean for Ladakhis?
This isn't just about one protest—it's about Ladakhis feeling ignored over promises made by the Centre earlier this year on their political future.
Locals want Statehood and constitutional protections to safeguard their identity and rights.
With internet shut down, public gatherings banned, and a heavy crackdown underway, there's real concern about civil liberties in Ladakh right now—and what this means for how local voices are heard going forward.