Violent Protests For Statehood In Ladakh: India Losing Control In IIOJK

The violent protests in Ladakh have exposed India’s weak grip on its occupied lands. In Leh, large crowds clashed with police, threw stones, set vehicles on fire, and attacked BJP offices. The Modi government’s move in 2019 to strip Ladakh of its statehood and make it a Union Territory has turned into a disaster. The claims of peace and progress now look false as the region faces hunger strikes, shutdowns, and bloodshed. The truth is that India has failed to win the trust of the people, and its rule is being rejected.

Core Reality:

• Ladakh lost statehood in August 2019.
• People are demanding statehood and legal rights.
• Modi’s policies have caused unrest and violence.

Protests Against Central Rule

Since the separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, resentment has kept growing. The people were promised development, but no progress was seen. Instead, they face poverty, joblessness, and complete control from Delhi.

Growing Anger:

• Ladakh made a Union Territory in 2019 without consent.
• Concerns over land, culture, and resources appeared within one year.
• In three years, frustration has turned into mass anger.

Discontent Of People:

• People say they feel betrayed by Delhi’s false promises.
• Small protests grew into hunger strikes and city-wide shutdowns.
• The main demand is restoration of statehood and protections.

Hunger Strikes And Shutdowns

Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known activist, has become the face of these protests. His hunger strike inspired thousands to join the campaign. What began as a peaceful struggle has now turned violent on the streets of Leh.

Protest Actions:

• Wangchuk has been on hunger strike for over two weeks.
• Leh city saw a full shutdown on Wednesday.
• Protesters demand Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of India’s Constitution.

Violence On Streets:

• On September 24, clashes became deadly.
• Four to five people were killed and over 70 injured.
• Police vans were burned and BJP offices attacked while police fired tear gas and used batons.

Unity Of Leh And Kargil

The protests have united Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil for the first time since 2019. This unity shows how deeply Delhi’s rule is rejected across communities.

Joint Resistance:

• People of Leh and Kargil protested together against Delhi’s rule.
• Political and religious groups set aside differences.
• A single platform was formed to demand rights.

Common Demands:

• Restoration of statehood.
• Job quotas for locals.
• Stronger powers for elected local bodies.

Police Violence And Repression

Instead of responding with talks, the Modi government used violence. Police cracked down with arrests, tear gas, and restrictions on gatherings.

Crackdown Steps:

• More than 100 protesters detained.
• Section 163 imposed to ban gatherings of more than four people.
• Leaders blamed for inciting unrest, though most asked for peace.

Police Brutality:

• Tear gas fired at unarmed crowds.
• People beaten in the streets of Leh.
• Locals accuse police of creating violence to silence protests.

False Promises Of Development

The people of Ladakh say Delhi promised development but only delivered repression. Instead of jobs and growth, they face direct rule, poverty, and denial of rights.

Broken Commitments:

• Promises of growth and prosperity not fulfilled.
• People face rising joblessness and lack of opportunities.
• Statehood and protections repeatedly refused.

Arrogance Of Delhi:

• Talks with locals ended without any progress.
• Union Home Ministry has rejected main demands.
• Ladakhis treated as subjects rather than equal citizens.

Strategic Importance And Risks

Ladakh is not only about local rights. It is a vital region at the border of China and Pakistan. The 2020 Galwan Valley clashes already showed India’s weak control. Now the protests add another layer of risk.

Key Stakes:

• Ladakh borders China and Pakistan.
• Was the site of Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
• Local unrest weakens India’s military position.

Risks For India:

• Delhi is losing control in a sensitive border area.
• Unity of Leh and Kargil exposes propaganda of peace.
• Protests threaten stability in the entire region.

Global Exposure Of India’s Failures

The crisis in Ladakh has been reported widely by international media. Reports of deaths, hunger strikes, and arrests have damaged India’s global image.

Reports From Abroad:

• On September 24, Jenipher Camino Gonzalez reported four deaths and dozens injured.
• Hari Kumar and Anupreeta Das confirmed five deaths and over 70 injured.
• International reports showed hunger strikers hospitalized and BJP offices set ablaze.

Global Perception:

• Modi’s claim of peace is exposed as false.
• India’s democracy image replaced by repression.
• Occupation and unrest now define Ladakh in the world’s eyes.

Modi’s Failed Policy In IIOJK

The situation in Ladakh is part of a wider failure in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Since Article 370 was revoked, repression has only deepened. Instead of bringing unity, Modi has created more resistance.

Pattern Of Oppression:

• In Kashmir, people faced curfews, arrests, and silencing.
• In Ladakh, hunger strikers faced beatings and gas.
• Across IIOJK, Delhi relies only on force.

Modi’s Record:

• Article 370’s removal has fueled unrest.
• Ladakh and Kashmir both reject central rule.
• Modi’s claims of integration have failed badly.

Conclusion

The protests in Ladakh are a direct result of Modi’s failed policies. With four to five deaths, more than 70 injured, and over 100 arrested, the truth is visible. People of both Leh and Kargil have united to reject Delhi’s control, demanding dignity, jobs, and constitutional protections. Instead of listening, India has responded with violence and repression.

Modi promised peace and development but delivered bloodshed and instability. The unrest in Ladakh is not just a local crisis but a sign of India’s crumbling hold in a sensitive border region. International reports of deaths, hunger strikes, and police brutality have exposed India’s propaganda to the world.

The truth is clear: India is losing control in Ladakh, just as it is losing legitimacy in the rest of IIOJK. The people want freedom, rights, and justice, but Delhi continues to use force. This approach has failed, and Ladakh now stands as a symbol of India’s broken promises and collapsing occupation.