Ladakh sees massive Gen Z protests against Modi govt, clashes leave hundreds injured

Ladakh has exploded into violent unrest against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, as protests for autonomy and constitutional rights met with gunfire from security forces.

Protesters in Leh, a city of around 300,000 people near the sensitive borders with China and Pakistan, have been demanding political rights and protection of local land and resources.

The demonstrations turned violent this week when Indian security forces opened fire, killed at least five people and injured around 100 others, including 30 policemen.

In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed concern over the situation, warning that the crackdown reflected New Delhi’s “iron-fisted approach” in the occupied region. Officials said the latest events highlight how far Indian authorities are willing to go to stamp out dissent.

Adding to the turmoil, police detained prominent Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuck, who had been on a hunger strike demanding either full provincial status for Ladakh or constitutional safeguards under India’s Sixth Schedule. Authorities accused him of fueling unrest through provocative speeches.

Ladakh was carved out as a separate territory in 2019 when the Modi government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and brought it under direct federal rule.

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Since then, local groups have accused New Delhi of sidelining promises of autonomy and undermining the fragile ecology of the region.

The territory remains heavily militarised, not only because of local discontent but also due to its disputed frontier with China, where deadly clashes broke out in 2020 between the two armies.