CPI (ML) – New Democracy strongly condemns the use of lethal force against the youth protests in Ladakh on September 24. In this use of live ammunition, 4 youth were killed and over 100 injured. Among the killed, three were youth aged between 19 to 21 years. Youth protest was part of the agitation going on for a long time in Ladakh, in which main demands include statehood for the region and its inclusion under Schedule VI of the Constitution. Well known activist Sonam Wangchuk and 34 others had been on indefinite hunger strike since September 10. On September 23, condition of two, both elderly, deteriorated and they had to be hospitalized. This caused anguish among the youth. Nearly 5000 of them went from the Dharna site for protest. Reportedly office of BJP and that of Leh Development Council were attacked.

Ruling RSS-BJP has displayed utmost insensitivity in dealing with the issues of this border region, a Union Territory. Despite deteriorating conditions of protesters, Union Govt. kept a meeting on a much later date i.e. October 6. Protesters demanded early meeting, but Govt. turned a deaf ear.

Underlying issues are lack of jobs and rights over land. Protesters feel that inclusion in Sixth Schedule will ensure their rights over land while statehood will ensure jobs for the youth. These are justified demands.

While bifurcating the state of J&K in 2019, RSS-BJP Govt. had promised to grant statehood to J&K and address issues of the people of Ladakh. Both promises remain unfulfilled. Now RSS-BJP are blaming Sonam Wangchuk for inciting youth for violence, having all along ignored warnings of frustration building up among youth. Govt. is even now refusing to address the issues raised by the people of Ladakh. This shows not only insensitivity of RSS-BJP Govt. to the issues of the people but is also dangerous in this border region. They are blaming youth for covering up their own criminal negligence.

Hindutva of RSS-BJP rooted in “Hindu, Hindi, Hindustan” is incapable of even understanding the issues of regional and religious minorities. They try to suppress them through use of force. Manipur in North East is burning for over two years but the Union Govt. has taken no meaningful steps. They consider that throwing crumbs to some elements in corporate driven ‘development’ is a panacea.

CPI (ML) – New Democracy demands immediate end to repression. Union Govt. must immediately announce inclusion of the region in Sixth Schedule and take steps to grant statehood to the region. They should stop vilifying the protesters and immediately start dialogue with their representatives.

CPI (ML) – New Democracy calls upon peace and justice loving people to condemn this repression and support just demands of the people of Ladakh.

Central Committee,
CPI (ML) – New Democracy

September 25, 2025