What's Behind Ladakh's Youth Protests and Sonam Wangchuk's Agitation | EXPLAINED

Ladakh is in turmoil as simmering discontent spilled onto the streets of Leh, with massive protests, shutdowns, and clashes between police and demonstrators. The agitation, intensified by climate activist

Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, turned violent after a group of youths allegedly pelted stones and police resorted to firing teargas shells.Protestors also torched a security vehicle outside the BJP office in Leh, an official said, adding that additional forces have been deployed to restore order. The District Magistrate of Leh has imposed Section 163 of the BNS, banning gatherings of five or more, processions without approval, and statements that may disturb public peace."Today, on the 15th day of our fast, I am deeply saddened to report that widespread violence and vandalism erupted in Leh city. Several offices and police vehicles were set on fire. Yesterday, two of those who had been on a 35-day fast here had to be taken to the hospital, in very critical condition. This sparked widespread anger, and a complete shutdown was declared across Leh today. Thousands of young people came out. Some people think they were our supporters. The entire Leh is our supporter. But this was a Gen Z revolution," said activist Sonam Wangchuk.But why are protests erupting in Leh?

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Also Read: Leh Protest Turns Violent: BJP Office Vandalised, Police Vehicle Torched Amid Shutdown Over Statehood Demand - VIDEO

Why are protests happening in Ladakh?

The latest escalation comes as a part of the joint struggle by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who have for months demanded full statehood and constitutional recognition. The LAB youth wing had given a call for a protest and shutdown after two of the fifteen people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were shifted to a hospital after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening.Protests are erupting in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on the extension of Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh. Gandhi Jayanti has been marked as a "landmark day" in their ongoing movement.Addressing a press conference, Wangchuk said that despite repeated assurances, the Union Home Ministry has not held talks with local representatives for nearly two months. "The youth have been unemployed for the last 5 years. They are being excluded from jobs. I've always said that this is the recipe for social unrest: keeping young people unemployed and snatching away their democratic rights. There's no democratic platform here today. The Sixth Schedule, which was announced and promised, hasn't been heeded," said Wangchuk.However, Wangchuk issued an appeal to the young generation of Ladakh, not to follow the path of violence because it thwarts his efforts. "I've been fasting for so many years, marching peacefully, and then resorting to violence; this is not our path. I request the young generation to approach the government through peace," he said.A fresh round of talks is scheduled between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, comprising members of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, on October 6.(With agency inputs)