The Leh district of Ladakh witnessed unrest on Wednesday as protesters set fire to the BJP office, threw stones and clashed with police.

Amid the violence, a police van was also burnt, marking a sharp escalation in demonstrations that have been intensifying in recent weeks.

The protest had been called by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to show support for environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 14 days demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.

On September 20, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that talks with Ladakhi leadership would resume, with the next round scheduled for October 6.

Earlier, on January 2, 2023, the ministry had set up a high-powered committee following prolonged protests in Ladakh, where political groups under the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had pressed for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

Reacting to the situation, Sajad Kargili, leader of the Kargil Democratic Front, wrote on X, "Whatever is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, once peaceful, is now gripped by frustration & insecurity due to the government’s failed UT experiment. The onus lies on the Govt—resume dialogue, act sensibly & fulfill Ladakh’s demand for Statehood & Sixth Schedule without delay. Also, I appeal people to remain peaceful and steadfast."

The last round of talks between the committee and the joint leadership of LAB and KDA, both formed after the abrogation of Article 370, was held on May 27, which led to the introduction of a domicile policy in Ladakh. No further discussions have taken place since then.