Leh’s streets stayed eerily silent today, September 27, 2025, under an extended curfew as Ladakh’s shutdown for statehood and tribal rights entered its fourth day, with protesters keeping up the pressure for the release of arrested activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) vowed to continue the protest, closing markets, schools, and transport in Leh and Kargil, while police and CRPF patrols ensured calm after the September 24 violence that killed four and torched the BJP office. District Magistrate Santi Ranjan Biswas prolonged the curfew until further notice, citing safety amid the unrest. “We aim to restore normalcy soon, but order must come first,” Biswas said in a notice, as checkpoints lined major roads and residents were advised to stay home.
The shutdown, sparked by Wangchuk’s hunger strike – ended on September 24 after 16 days due to health issues – demands immediate Centre talks on autonomy, Sixth Schedule land protections, and local job quotas. Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 and shifted to Jodhpur jail, had been pushing for these since the 2019 UT status. The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed his speeches for inciting the clashes, but Wangchuk denied it, saying, “My words were for peace – the violence was desperation’s cry.” Two other strikers remain critical at SNM Hospital, adding to the LAB’s resolve to escalate if the October 6 dialogue isn’t advanced.
Today’s demonstrations were subdued under the curfew, with small groups gathering near Polo Ground in Leh, holding banners for Wangchuk’s release and chanting for justice. In Kargil, solidarity actions kept life on pause, with locals preparing for longer halts.
Political voices rose – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on X (@CM_JnK), urged restraint, stating, “We’re working with stakeholders to resolve Ladakh’s concerns peacefully.” PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti called for dialogue, while BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma stressed stability, noting enhanced security.
The unrest has hit Ladakh’s economy, with tourism – key for 3 lakh residents – stalled post-Pahalgam attack and floods. Leh’s markets are empty, affecting vendors and guides. Wangchuk’s SECMOL faces hurdles after losing its FCRA license. Social media trends #ReleaseSonamWangchuk with #LadakhProtest, showing support from Jammu.