New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday alleged that the mob violence in Ladakh was guided by the "provocative statements" of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and certain "politically motivated" individuals were not happy with the progress made in the ongoing talks between the representatives of the government and Ladakhi groups.
In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said barring a few unfortunate incidents that happened early on Wednesday, the situation was brought under control by 4 PM and asked everyone not to circulate old and provocative videos in the media and social media.
"The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards," the statement said.
The home ministry said the hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10, pressing the demand for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth schedule and statehood.
"It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of High Powered Committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders," the statement said.
Leh Erupts: Ladakh Protest For Statehood And Sixth Schedule Turns Violent, BJP Office TargetedIn a dated video, Sonam Wangchuk urged protesters to come masked and hooded, while Smanla Norboo went so far as to threaten the stoning of the BJP office and openly provoked the masses. The so-called youth leaders — Stanzin Chosphel, Jigmet Paljor, and Padma Stanzin — who were… pic.twitter.com/HclFQ2rdGF
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 24, 2025
The home ministry said the process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for the Ladakh Scheduled Tribe from 45 per cent to 84 per cent, providing 1/3 women's reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.
With this, the process for the recruitment of 1,800 posts was also commenced.
"However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC and have been trying to sabotage the dialogue process," the statement said.
The next meeting of the High Powered Committee has been scheduled on October 6th, while meetings are also planned on 25th and 26th September with the leaders from Ladakh.
The home ministry said the demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC.
VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025
My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC
In spite of many leaders urging him to call off the hunger strike, he continued with it while "misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal".
"On 24th September, at around 11.30 AM, a mob motivated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as the Government office of the CEC Leh. They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched the police vehicle," the statement said The "unruly mob" attacked the police personnel in which more than "30 police/CRPF personnel were injured", it said.
Why Is Ladakh Seeing Youth-Led Protests? 4 Key Demands Behind The Unrest In Leh ExplainedLieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, condemns the violence in Leh and appeals to everyone to maintain peace and harmony. #LehProtests | #LadakhProtest | #LehViolence pic.twitter.com/SMhojQYN0e
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 24, 2025
The home ministry said the mob continued to destroy public property and attack the police personnel, and in self-defence, the police had to resort to firing in which, unfortunately, some casualties were reported.
"It is clear that the mob was guided by Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these developments, he called of his hunger strike," it said.
(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
You may also like
Liverpool left with limited transfer options after Giovanni Leoni injury blow
India Secures Spot in Asia Cup 2025 Final with Victory Over Bangladesh
Inside Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell's marriage with family decision and net worth
Brooklyn Beckham breaks silence on 'feud' with parents David and Victoria
'Uttar Pradesh To Gain Most From Tax Cuts Under New GST Reform': CM Yogi Adityanath