The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has held activist Sonam Wangchuk responsible for the violent protests that erupted in Ladakh on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and at least 45 injured. According to the ministry, Wangchuk&rsquo;s hunger strike and provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal incited the unrest.
The violence occurred despite ongoing talks between the government and local groups under a high-powered committee led by Union Minister Nityanand Rai. The MHA said significant progress had already been made through this dialogue, including raising the Scheduled Tribe reservation in Ladakh from 45% to 84%, introducing one-third reservation for women in councils, recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and initiating recruitment for 1,800 posts.
On Wednesday morning, a mob reportedly left the hunger strike venue, attacked political and government offices in Leh, set property on fire, and clashed with security forces. Over 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured, and police firing resulted in casualties. The situation was brought under control by the afternoon.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta described the unrest as a conspiracy driven by vested interests, announcing a curfew across the region as a precaution. Meanwhile, Wangchuk clarified that he considered the stir a youth protest, not specifically a Gen Z movement, and attributed the violence to rising frustration over unemployment.
The MHA reiterated its commitment to Ladakh&rsquo;s aspirations through constitutional safeguards while urging the public to avoid spreading provocative videos.

MHA links Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike to violent protests in Ladakh that left 4 dead

MHA Blames Wangchuk for Ladakh Violence

MHA links Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike to violent protests in Ladakh that left 4 dead

September 25, 2025 | 16:12 IST