Ladakh unrest: Opposition takes aim at BJP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday criticised the BJP, alleging that Ladakh’s people, culture, and traditions are “under attack” and demanded the Centre grant the 6th Schedule for greater autonomy.

The protests in Leh on September 24 turned violent, leaving four people dead. Sonam Wangchuk, a key advocate for the 6th Schedule, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail. He had earlier ended a hunger strike after the unrest and had previously praised the government for granting Ladakh Union Territory status.

Ladakh is a sparsely populated region with a significant military presence, and its current UT status allows for practical administration and security. Granting full statehood prematurely could create administrative challenges or spark local clashes.

While Wangchuk himself had appreciated the UT status, opposition leaders are using the protests and his arrest as an opportunity to blame the BJP and politicise the issue, presenting it as suppression of Ladakhi voices.

The episode highlights the tension between local demands for autonomy and the realities of governance and security in a strategically sensitive region.