Rahul Gandhi Condemns Ladakh Violence, Urges 6th Schedule for UT

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday sharply criticized the Modi government over the recent unrest in Ladakh, which left four people dead and nearly 80 injured. He accused the BJP and RSS of targeting the Union Territory and backed demands to grant Ladakh statehood and inclusion under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.

 Gandhi backs Ladakh demand

The violence erupted on September 24 during protests led by activist Sonam Wangchuk. Peaceful demonstrations turned violent as protesters set fire to the local BJP office and several vehicles. Police responded with baton charges, leading to multiple injuries and fatalities.

Authorities arrested Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) and lodged him in Jodhpur Central Jail, citing his “provocative” statements. Speaking on social media, Rahul Gandhi stated: “Ladakh’s amazing people, culture, and traditions are under attack by the BJP and RSS. Ladakhis asked for a voice. The BJP responded by killing 4 young men and jailing Sonam Wangchuk.”

Ladakh’s DGP SD Singh Jamwal revealed that police had apprehended a Pakistan PIO allegedly in contact with Wangchuk. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s references to movements like the Arab Spring and Nepal Gen Z protests had stirred mob fury, contributing to the torching of the BJP office and government vehicles.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s treatment of Wangchuk and the crackdown on protesters demanding greater autonomy and 6th Schedule status, tweeting: “Stop the killing. Stop the violence. Stop the intimidation. Give Ladakh a voice. Give them the 6th Schedule.”

Wangchuk had launched an indefinite hunger strike on September 10, advocating for constitutional guarantees, autonomy, statehood, and Sixth Schedule status. The government has maintained ongoing dialogue with regional groups such as the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, through a High-Powered Committee and subcommittees.

Amid the unrest, the government also cancelled the FCRA licence of Wangchuk’s institute, SECMOL, citing violations following the violence. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation condemned Wangchuk’s arrest, calling it part of the government’s “witchhunting agenda.”