Four people died during violent demonstrations in Ladakh as residents demanded increased political autonomy from New Delhi. Protesters burned a police vehicle and ruling party offices in Leh after growing anger over direct federal control imposed since 2019. The government stripped the Himalayan region of semi-autonomous status when separating it from Kashmir.
The Apex Body Leh organization leads the movement seeking constitutional protections under India's Sixth Schedule framework. Demonstrators want safeguards for traditional land rights and employment opportunities for local communities. Military buffer zones established along disputed Chinese borders have reduced grazing areas for herders.
Ladakh houses 300,000 residents split between Muslim and Buddhist populations. The strategic territory borders both Pakistan and China, making it valuable for Indian defense operations.
The Apex Body Leh organization leads the movement seeking constitutional protections under India's Sixth Schedule framework. Demonstrators want safeguards for traditional land rights and employment opportunities for local communities. Military buffer zones established along disputed Chinese borders have reduced grazing areas for herders.
Ladakh houses 300,000 residents split between Muslim and Buddhist populations. The strategic territory borders both Pakistan and China, making it valuable for Indian defense operations.
