Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vociferously claimed on Sunday, September 28, 2025, that the unique identity of Ladakh – its people, culture, and traditions – is facing a direct assault from the BJP and RSS. He passionately advocated for the region’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a move he believes is crucial for its protection.
Gandhi’s strong statements follow a week of intense violence in Leh, where four individuals tragically lost their lives during clashes with security forces, and many more sustained injuries. Authorities have since apprehended fifty people in connection with the alleged rioting.
Adding to the heightened tensions, renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a leading advocate for Ladakh’s statehood, has been detained under the stringent National Security Act and is currently held in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
In a direct message posted on X, Mr. Gandhi highlighted the gravity of the situation:
Meanwhile, a curfew remains in effect across violence-hit Leh for the fifth consecutive day as of Sunday. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta is scheduled to conduct a security review meeting to deliberate on easing these restrictions.
The recent violent confrontation between protesters and security forces erupted on Wednesday, September 24, during a shutdown organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB). This shutdown aimed to press the Centre for discussions on granting statehood to Ladakh and extending the Sixth Schedule provisions to the region.
Notably, the curfew in Leh was temporarily relaxed for four hours on Saturday, September 27.