Investigating Lethal Force Against Leh Protesters: Urgent Action Needed by Indian Authorities

news: At least four people were killed and over 50 injured in Leh, Ladakh, following police action during protests demanding statehood and greater autonomy.">

September 25, 2025

Leh, Ladakh – A volatile situation unfolded in Leh city yesterday, as authorities responded to demonstrations with force, resulting in at least four fatalities and injuries to more than 50 individuals. The protests center around long-standing demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion within the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Escalation and Response

Reports indicate the unrest began with a large gathering led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has spearheaded demonstrations since January 2023. According to accounts, a segment of the protesters deviated from the main group, engaging in acts of alleged vandalism targeting offices, police vehicles, and a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.

Following these incidents, police intervened, deploying what witnesses describe as lethal force against the assembled protesters. The resulting casualties have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for a thorough investigation.

International Concerns and Calls for Accountability

Aakar Patel, Chair of Amnesty International India, issued a strong statement regarding the events, emphasizing the unlawful nature of indiscriminate firearm use against demonstrators. He stated that the deployment of lethal ammunition, even in response to violence, is unjustifiable and should onyl be considered as an absolute last resort against imminent threats to life.

“Any use of firearms during public assemblies must be strictly limited to targeted individuals facing an immediate danger of death or serious harm,” Patel asserted. He urgently called for an investigation into the deployment of firearms, the justification for lethal force against largely peaceful protesters, and the reasons why alternative crowd control methods were not initially employed.

Past Context: Ladakh’s Path to Union territory Status

Ladakh was formally established as a Union Territory of India on October 31, 2019, following the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Prior to this transition, the region was an integral part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Year	Event
2019	Ladakh becomes a Union Territory of India.
2021	Protests begin demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
2023	Sonam Wangchuk begins leading protests.
2025	Police open fire on protestors in Leh, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

did You Know? The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides provisions for the administration of tribal areas in certain states, granting them varying degrees of autonomy.

The current agitation, ongoing since 2021, reflects the deep-seated aspirations of the Ladakhi people for greater self-governance and constitutional protections, as outlined in the Sixth schedule.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical and constitutional context of a region is essential for grasping the nuances of its political and social movements.

Understanding the Demand for the Sixth schedule

The Sixth Schedule aims to safeguard the cultural and economic interests of scheduled tribes. Inclusion would empower local bodies to manage their resources and maintain their traditions more effectively. Several organizations and political leaders in Ladakh believe this is crucial for protecting the region’s unique identity in the face of rapid changes.

The demand for statehood stems from concerns over depiction and decision-making power. Residents argue that Union Territory status limits their ability to influence policies affecting their lives. The current situation underscores the importance of addressing these concerns through dialog and constitutional mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ladakh Protests

• What is the primary demand of the protesters in Ladakh? The primary demand is for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Who is Sonam Wangchuk and what role is he playing? Sonam Wangchuk is an activist leading the protests, advocating for greater autonomy for ladakh.
• What was the immediate trigger for the police action? Reports suggest some protesters engaged in vandalism and attacked offices and vehicles,leading to police intervention.
• What is the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution? It’s a provision for the administration of tribal areas, granting them a degree of self-governance.
• What has been the international response to the events in Ladakh? Amnesty International has condemned the use of lethal force and called for an investigation.
• What steps are being taken to address the situation? Authorities have not yet announced specific steps beyond the initial police response, but calls for investigation and de-escalation are growing.

What are your thoughts on the balance between maintaining law and order and respecting the right to peaceful protest? Share your viewpoint in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your network to raise awareness about this critical situation.

What specific evidence is needed to independently verify allegations of live ammunition use against protesters in Leh?

The Recent Protests in Leh: A Timeline of Events

Recent weeks have witnessed escalating protests in Leh, Ladakh, fueled by anxieties surrounding the region’s future status and demands for greater autonomy. These demonstrations,initially peaceful,have tragically resulted in the reported use of lethal force by Indian authorities,sparking widespread condemnation and calls for independent examination. Understanding the context is crucial.

* August 2024: initial protests begin, focusing on concerns about land rights, job security, and political representation following Ladakh’s designation as a Union Territory in 2019.

* September 2025 (Early): Protests intensify after negotiations between Leh representatives and the central government stall. Demands center around the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution – a provision granting special autonomy to tribal areas.

* September 2025 (Mid): Reports emerge of clashes between protesters and security forces. Allegations of excessive force, including the use of live ammunition, begin to surface.

* September 2025 (Present): Continued protests and a growing demand for a judicial inquiry into the alleged use of lethal force.

Allegations of Excessive Force & Human Rights Concerns

The core of the issue lies in the allegations of disproportionate response by security forces. Eyewitness accounts and reports from local journalists detail instances where authorities allegedly used excessive force against largely unarmed protesters. This raises serious concerns regarding violations of essential human rights, including the right to life, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

* Use of Live Ammunition: The most serious allegation is the use of live ammunition against protesters, resulting in reported fatalities and injuries.Independent verification is urgently needed.

* Disproportionate Force: Even if non-lethal methods were employed, concerns remain about whether the force used was proportionate to the level of threat posed by the protesters.

* Restrictions on Media Access: Reports indicate restrictions on media access to the protest areas, hindering independent reporting and clarity. This lack of transparency fuels distrust and speculation.

* Arbitrary Arrests & Detention: Concerns have been raised about the arbitrary arrest and detention of protesters and activists, potentially aimed at suppressing dissent.

The Demand for a Sixth Schedule Inclusion: Understanding the Context

The protests are deeply rooted in the anxieties surrounding Ladakh’s status post-2019. The region, formerly a state, was bifurcated into two Union territories – Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh’s residents fear a loss of control over their land, resources, and cultural identity.

The inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is seen as a potential solution. This would grant the region a degree of self-governance through the establishment of autonomous district councils, empowering local communities to manage their affairs. Key benefits of sixth Schedule inclusion include:

* Protection of Land Rights: Safeguarding land ownership and preventing outsiders from acquiring land in the region.

* preservation of Cultural Identity: Protecting the unique cultural heritage and traditions of Ladakh.

* Enhanced Local Governance: Empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes.

* Resource Control: Giving local communities greater control over their natural resources.

Legal Framework & International Obligations

India is a signatory to several international human rights conventions that obligate it to protect the rights of it’s citizens, including the right to peaceful protest and the prohibition of excessive force.

* Worldwide declaration of Human Rights: Guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.

* International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Further elaborates on these rights and places obligations on states to respect and protect them.

* Indian Constitution: guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to life and personal liberty.

* Police Rules & Guidelines: Indian police forces are governed by rules and guidelines that regulate the use of force. These guidelines emphasize the use of minimum force necessary and the avoidance of lethal force whenever possible.

The Role of Independent Investigation & Accountability

An independent, impartial, and thorough investigation is paramount to establish the facts, determine accountability, and prevent future abuses.This investigation should:

1. Be independent: Conducted by a body free from government interference.
2. Be impartial: Ensure all sides of the story are heard and considered.
3. Be thorough: Examine all available evidence, including eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, and official records.
4. Ensure accountability: Identify and prosecute those responsible for any human rights violations.
5. Transparency: The findings of the investigation should be made public.

Case Studies: Lessons from Similar Situations

Examining past instances of protests and alleged excessive force can provide valuable lessons.

* Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): A stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked state power and the importance of accountability.

* Sterlite Protests (Tuticorin, 2018): Highlighted the need for transparent investigations into police actions during protests.

* Recent Farmer Protests (2020-2021): Demonstrated the importance of dialog and addressing legitimate grievances to prevent escalation.

These cases underscore the critical need for restraint, transparency, and accountability in managing protests.

practical Steps for Advocacy & Support

Individuals and organizations can take several steps to support the call