Leh, the capital of Ladakh, remained under strict curfew for the third consecutive day on September 26, 2025, as authorities continued to grapple with the aftermath of violent clashes that rocked the town earlier in the week. The curfew, imposed on the evening of September 24 after widespread unrest, has left the usually bustling Himalayan town eerily silent, with police and paramilitary forces patrolling deserted streets in full riot gear to maintain law and order, according to Business Standard.
The violence that triggered the curfew was sparked by a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a coalition advocating for Ladakh’s statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to the region. The protests turned deadly, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to at least 90 others. In the wake of the clashes, over 50 individuals were detained, and prohibitory orders banning the assembly of five or more people were imposed not only in Leh but also in other major towns, including Kargil, as reported by The Hindu.
Despite the tense atmosphere, officials reported that no untoward incidents occurred anywhere in Ladakh on September 26. "The overall security situation remained peaceful across Ladakh. The restrictions are likely to be relaxed later in the day to allow people to buy essential commodities," a police official told The Hindu. Nevertheless, many residents voiced concerns about the dwindling supplies of essentials such as ration, milk, and vegetables, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing restrictions.
In response to the unrest, Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, and other educational institutions for two days starting September 26. Anganwadi centres, which provide critical early childhood services, also remained closed. The move, aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff, left families scrambling to manage daily routines amid the lockdown.
Meanwhile, a high-level team from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) arrived in Leh on September 25 to assess the security situation firsthand. The team conducted a series of meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, civil and police officials, and representatives of the LAB. According to a joint statement issued by LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay, "The meeting decided that a preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry will take place in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, subject to confirmation of date by the MHA. The meeting will be attended by three representatives each from the LAB and KDA (Kargil Democratic Alliance) besides Ladakh MP Mohd Hanifa Jan."
The preparatory meeting is expected to set the stage for an official dialogue between the Home Ministry and a High Powered Committee comprising seven members each from the LAB and KDA. This committee will tackle a four-point agenda that lies at the heart of the ongoing agitation. The agenda includes demands for statehood, the extension of the Sixth Schedule (which provides for greater autonomy and protections for tribal regions), separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission for Ladakh.
For the past four years, LAB and KDA have been at the forefront of a sustained campaign seeking greater political rights and autonomy for Ladakh. Their efforts have included multiple rounds of talks with the central government. Previous negotiations yielded agreements on job guarantees and an additional Lok Sabha seat for the region—a move that will ultimately be decided by the delimitation commission. However, the core demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections remain unresolved, keeping the agitation alive and tensions simmering.
As the region waited for the next steps, authorities hinted at a possible easing of restrictions to allow residents to purchase essential goods. Nevertheless, the sense of uncertainty lingered. Many families, already dealing with shortages, expressed frustration over the disruption to daily life. "People in many areas complained that they are running short of essential supplies including ration, milk and vegetables," reported Business Standard.
The events in Leh had ripple effects across Ladakh. In Kargil, another key town in the region, shops and businesses reopened on the morning of September 26 after a day-long shutdown called by the KDA. Police presence remained heavy, with officers patrolling sensitive areas to prevent any potential flare-ups. The reopening of commercial establishments provided a brief respite for residents eager to resume some semblance of normalcy, yet the underlying tensions were far from resolved.
The upcoming meetings in New Delhi are being watched closely by all stakeholders. The preparatory session, involving representatives from both LAB and KDA as well as Ladakh’s Member of Parliament Mohd Hanifa Jan, is intended to pave the way for substantive negotiations with the Home Ministry. According to the joint statement from LAB leadership, "The preparatory meeting shall be followed by an immediate official meeting of the Home Ministry with a High Powered Committee comprising seven members each from LAB and KDA on four-point agenda." The next formal round of talks with the Centre is scheduled for October 6, 2025.
For many in Ladakh, the stakes could not be higher. The region has a unique cultural and geographic identity, and the push for statehood and constitutional protections reflects deep-seated concerns about preserving that identity in the face of rapid political change. The Sixth Schedule, in particular, is seen by many as a safeguard for the region’s indigenous communities, offering greater local control over resources and governance.
Yet, the path to resolution is fraught with challenges. While previous agreements on job guarantees and parliamentary representation have addressed some concerns, the central demands remain points of contention. The government’s willingness to engage in further talks has been welcomed by local leaders, but there is little certainty about whether a breakthrough is imminent.
As the curfew in Leh shows signs of being gradually eased and the focus shifts to the negotiating table in New Delhi, residents across Ladakh are left hoping for a peaceful and lasting solution. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the region’s long-standing demands are finally addressed—or whether the cycle of agitation and unrest will continue.
With the eyes of the nation on Ladakh, the outcome of these high-stakes talks could shape the region’s political future for years to come.
