Indian Police Arrest Ladakh Activist After Deadly Protests Demand Statehood

Indian authorities have detained prominent Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk following violent protests in Leh, the region's main city, that resulted in at least four civilian deaths and dozens of injuries. The unrest erupted after Wangchuk's 14-day hunger strike, with demonstrators demanding statehood, constitutional protections for indigenous communities, and job reservations for locals, reflecting longstanding tensions since Ladakh's autonomy was revoked in 2019. Protesters clashed with police, who responded with live fire, citing self-defense, while the government imposed curfews and suspended mobile internet to curb further violence. The Ministry of Home Affairs accused Wangchuk of inciting the crowd with provocative statements and revoked the license of his NGO, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, allegations he denied. Talks between Ladakhi leaders and the federal government are ongoing, with a scheduled meeting on October 6 to address the region’s demands. The opposition has criticized the government's handling of the crisis, emphasizing the need for sensitive management of this strategically important Himalayan region.