Authorities in Indian-occupied Ladakh imposed a strict curfew on Thursday after violent protests led by Gen Z demonstrators spiralled out of control, leaving at least four people dead and dozens injured.
The administration rushed additional troops into the restive region to restore order after protesters torched vehicles, government buildings, and the local office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The unrest erupted on Wednesday when hundreds of young people took to the streets demanding constitutional protections, democratic rights, and jobs.
Police used force to disperse the rallies, triggering violent clashes.
Enraged protesters set fire to police and paramilitary vehicles and stormed government offices, setting several on fire.
Officials confirmed that at least four protesters were killed in the clashes while dozens, including security personnel, were injured. Around 40 demonstrators were arrested overnight.
By Thursday, Ladakh’s two main districts, Leh and Kargil, were under heavy security lockdown.
Police and paramilitary forces patrolled the streets as local organisations called for a strike in Kargil, where businesses voluntarily shut down.
Sajjad Kargili, a local political leader, urged the government to “show wisdom, not force,” and immediately resume negotiations with the people of Ladakh.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta described the deaths as “tragic and shocking,” saying the curfew was necessary to prevent further violence.
The protests stem from the Indian government’s controversial 2019 decision to revoke Article 370 of the constitution, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir — including Ladakh — of its semi-autonomous status and brought the region under direct federal rule.
Initially, locals welcomed the change, but discontent soon grew amid fears of losing land, destruction of local businesses, and disenfranchisement.
Residents say Ladakh has since been ruled by bureaucrats, with no authority to elect their own representatives.
Despite multiple rounds of talks between Ladakhi representatives and New Delhi, no breakthrough has been achieved.
Another round of talks is scheduled for October 6.
The unrest highlights Ladakh’s complex demographics: Kargil is predominantly Muslim, while Leh is largely Buddhist.
The region is also burdened by climate threats as thousands of glaciers melt at an alarming rate, raising fears of severe water shortages.
Meanwhile, simmering border tensions between India and China since 2020 have already militarised the region, making it a flashpoint for wider conflict.
Analysts warn that if New Delhi continues to ignore local demands, Ladakh could slide deeper into crisis, with grave implications for stability in this sensitive Himalayan frontier.
