Ladakh Observes Shutdown for Anniversary of 2025 Violence

Leh and Kargil observed a shutdown on September 24, 2026, to mark the first anniversary of violent protests that left four civilians dead and over 80 injured. The original unrest occurred during demonstrations demanding full statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a symbolic padyatra in Leh to commemorate Shaheed Diwas. The march, which included representatives from the Leh Apex Body, concluded at the Shaheed Memorial Park. Wangchuk used the occasion to call for the public release of a judicial inquiry report into the 2025 firing.

In response to the anniversary, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals involved in the violence and sanctioned compensation of Rs 15 lakh for the families of the deceased. While the central government has proposed a special constitutional framework under Article 371 and a new Union Territory-level elected body, local representative bodies maintain that full statehood and Sixth Schedule protections remain non-negotiable.