India’s high-altitude desert region of Ladakh has been thrown into turmoil after violent protests over political autonomy left four people dead, AFP reports. Demonstrators took to the streets of Leh on Wednesday, torching a police vehicle and offices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Initial reports listed five fatalities, later revised to four.
The unrest reflects growing resentment over New Delhi’s direct rule following the 2019 revocation of Ladakh’s semi-autonomous status. Residents fear losing traditional livelihoods, land rights, and cultural identity. “All the protections we had within Jammu and Kashmir were all gone,” said lawyer Mustafa Haji, describing how decisions on development are now made by officials sent from outside the region.
The protests were organized in part by the Apex Body Leh, led by 77-year-old veteran leader Chering Dorjay, who said, “We have been used like slaves,” and vowed to continue the struggle. Demonstrations were also held in support of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on hunger strike for two weeks before being detained by police on Friday. New Delhi blamed the unrest on “provocative speeches” by Wangchuk.
Protesters are demanding constitutional autonomy under the “Sixth Schedule” of India’s constitution, which would grant the local legislature authority over land use and jobs, and are calling for restrictions on outsiders purchasing property in Ladakh. Some incremental victories have already been achieved: the government has reserved 85% of local jobs for residents and frozen domicile acquisition for outsiders until 2036.
Land issues are especially sensitive. The government has announced large-scale solar and industrial projects requiring thousands of acres, threatening grazing grounds vital for pashmina goat herding — a centuries-old livelihood already under pressure from climate change and military buffer zones near the Chinese border.
Ladakh, a strategic enclave bordering both China and Pakistan and home to roughly 300,000 people, is heavily militarized. Historically, residents have supported India in conflicts with Pakistan and China, but many now say they feel betrayed. “For 70 years we have helped protect India’s borders,” Haji said. “Now we want ourselves to be protected.”
The protests underscore a growing rift between local populations and central authorities, highlighting the region’s strategic importance and the delicate balance between development, autonomy, and cultural preservation.
