The remote Himalayan region of Ladakh, usually known for its pristine landscapes and strategic significance, has been gripped by turmoil after protests over statehood and constitutional safeguards turned violent in Leh. The agitation, which had been simmering for months under the leadership of local activists and groups demanding political autonomy, escalated on September 24, 2025, leading to clashes, arson, and tragic loss of life. Amid the chaos, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya released a video claiming that a Congress councillor was at the forefront of the rioting—a claim that has since stirred intense political debate.
The Agitation in Ladakh
The unrest in Leh is the latest manifestation of long-standing demands from Ladakhi groups for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal communities in certain regions. Activists argue that after Ladakh was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and made a Union Territory, the absence of a legislature left locals without meaningful political representation.
The flashpoint came when thousands of demonstrators gathered in Leh for a bandh and protest march, which quickly spiraled out of control. According to reports, protesters clashed with police, pelted stones, and torched vehicles, including a police van. Even the BJP’s local office was set ablaze, symbolizing the intensity of the anger on the streets.
Authorities confirmed that at least four people lost their lives, while dozens of others, including security personnel, were injured. The violence has shaken Ladakh’s otherwise quiet political landscape, highlighting the region’s growing frustration with New Delhi’s handling of its demands.
Amit Malviya’s Video Claim
Amid the mayhem, Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s national IT cell, took to social media to allege that the violence had been instigated by the opposition. He shared a video clip of the protests, claiming it showed Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, a Congress councillor from Leh’s Upper Ward, actively leading the rioters.
“This man rioting in Ladakh is Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Congress Councillor for Upper Leh Ward,” Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter). “He can be clearly seen instigating the mob and participating in violence that targeted the BJP office.”
The claim immediately sparked political fireworks. Supporters of the BJP amplified the video across platforms, framing the Congress as complicit in orchestrating chaos. For the BJP, it was a moment to shift the narrative from questions about governance and unmet promises in Ladakh to accusations against the opposition.
Political Reactions and Counterclaims
Congress leaders, however, rejected the accusation, saying the BJP was attempting to malign local representatives rather than address the genuine grievances of Ladakhis. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the movement, also pushed back against attempts to politicize the agitation. He argued that the protests were a reflection of Ladakh’s democratic aspirations, not partisan battles.
Observers note that while the video does appear to show a man resembling Tsepag among the crowd, independent verification has not yet confirmed whether he was instigating violence or simply present at the protest site. Political analysts caution that such claims need careful scrutiny, especially when they emerge in the heat of unrest.
The Larger Crisis in Ladakh
At the heart of the agitation lies a growing sense of alienation. When Article 370 was revoked in 2019, many Ladakhis initially welcomed the separation from Jammu and Kashmir, expecting greater autonomy. However, the absence of an elected assembly and the heavy reliance on bureaucratic governance have since fueled disillusionment.
Demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which would grant Ladakh protections similar to those in tribal regions of the Northeast, have gained traction as locals fear demographic changes and loss of cultural identity. The violent turn in Leh is a signal that these issues can no longer be ignored.
The Union government has announced that talks with Ladakhi representatives will be held in October, but skepticism runs deep. The violence has only hardened positions, making compromise more difficult.
What Lies Ahead
The immediate task for authorities will be to restore calm in Leh while ensuring accountability for the violence. The deaths and destruction underscore the fragility of the situation. But beyond law and order, the government faces a more complex challenge: how to address Ladakh’s aspirations without setting off ripple effects elsewhere.
For the BJP, the unrest poses both risks and opportunities. On one hand, it raises uncomfortable questions about promises made to Ladakhis in 2019. On the other, the party is trying to frame the crisis as a law-and-order issue caused by opposition politics, as reflected in Amit Malviya’s viral video claim.
Whether or not the allegations against the Congress councillor hold up under scrutiny, the larger story is clear: Ladakh’s demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards is entering a more volatile and potentially dangerous phase. Unless addressed with sensitivity and seriousness, the region may see more flashpoints in the months ahead.
✅
- A shutdown protest in Leh turned violent, leaving four dead and dozens injured.
- BJP’s Amit Malviya accused Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag of leading the rioters, sharing a video as evidence.
- The claim is politically charged but remains unverified by independent sources.
- The crisis underscores Ladakh’s deeper grievances over statehood, autonomy, and cultural protection.
About The Author
