LEH: Residents in Indian-administered Ladakh observed a shutdown on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of protests in which four people were killed while demanding greater regional autonomy and constitutional safeguards.
Shops and businesses remained closed in Leh and other parts of the region, while traffic was thin on the roads. The day was observed by some residents as “Martyrs’ Day” or “Shaheed Diwas”.
On September 24, 2025, security forces opened fire after demonstrations in Leh turned violent. The protests had been driven by demands for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of India’s Constitution.
The shutdown was called by a Buddhist group, with residents also organising prayers and remembrance events for those killed during the protests.
The unrest dates back to India’s 2019 decision to revoke Ladakh’s previous political status and place the region under direct federal administration. Residents have since raised concerns over protections for land, employment, resources, culture and local participation in decision-making.
Ladakh, a strategically important high-altitude region bordering China and Pakistan, has a population of around 300,000 people, with Muslims and Buddhists forming the two largest religious communities.
Local groups have been seeking greater constitutional protection and statehood, with the Sixth Schedule among their key demands. The provision would provide greater powers to local institutions over issues including land, resources and traditional livelihoods.
Negotiations between Ladakhi representatives and India’s federal Home Ministry have continued, with the government announcing some measures in response to local demands. These include increased reservations for Scheduled Tribes and women in local councils and the recognition of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.
On Wednesday, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with last year’s violence, saying the decision was intended to promote peace and social harmony in the region.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the movement, also led a symbolic march in Leh on Wednesday ahead of the anniversary. Protest leaders have continued to call for greater constitutional safeguards and the release of the judicial inquiry report into last year’s violence.
The administration announced compensation earlier this month for the families of the four people killed and those injured during the protests, but local representatives have continued to press for broader political and constitutional measures.
The latest shutdown reflects continuing disagreement over Ladakh’s political status and the extent of constitutional safeguards and local authority in the strategically sensitive region.
