A day after violent clashes rocked Ladakh, the Congress party on Thursday, September 25, 2025, unequivocally stated that the crisis gripping the region is a direct result of the BJP government’s own creation. The party emphasized that Ladakh’s demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule – a crucial step for protecting their unique identity and ensuring their dignity – is both legitimate and just.
The movement advocating for statehood in Ladakh spiraled into intense violence, widespread arson, and street clashes in Leh on Wednesday, September 24. These tragic events led to the deaths of four individuals and left at least 80 people injured, including 40 police personnel, according to official reports.
Pawan Khera, who heads the Congress’s media and publicity department, expressed profound sorrow over the precious lives lost in Ladakh, calling it a tragic outcome. He pointed out that this crisis serves as a grim reminder of the government’s unfulfilled promises. Khera recalled that in 2019, Parliament was assured that the actions taken against the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir would bring peace. Yet, he observed that six years later, the region’s troubles have only deepened.
He further criticized the Centre’s shortsightedness, arguing that instead of restoring normalcy in the valley, their policies have plunged Jammu and Ladakh into an “incinerator of violence.” Khera asserted, “This crisis is the BJP Government’s own creation — one it now seeks to unfairly ignore.”
The Congress leader reiterated his party’s stance that Ladakh’s plea for Sixth Schedule inclusion is fundamentally legitimate and just, underscoring its importance for the region’s dignity and the protection of its distinct identity. He concluded that Ladakh deserves compassionate governance and thoughtful statesmanship, not continued neglect.
On Wednesday, September 24, groups of youths engaged in acts of arson and vandalism, targeting the headquarters of the BJP and the local Hill Council, and setting several vehicles ablaze. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed extensively throughout the town, resorted to lobbing teargas shells to bring the volatile situation under control, officials confirmed.
The Centre, however, attributed the mob violence to the “provocative statements” made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. It also alleged that certain “politically motivated” individuals were deliberately obstructing progress in the ongoing dialogue between government representatives and various Ladakhi groups.
Situation Under Control
In a statement, the Union Home Ministry announced that, apart from a few unfortunate incidents early on Wednesday, the situation was brought under control by 4 p.m. the same day. The Ministry also urged the public to avoid circulating outdated and inflammatory videos across media and social media platforms.
Consequently, at least 50 people were detained, and police along with paramilitary forces strictly enforced a curfew on Thursday, September 25, in the violence-stricken areas of Leh.