After violent protests in Leh left casualties, Congress urged the Modi government to grant Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule protections without further delay.

Following violent protests in Leh that left several dead and many injured, Congress accused the Centre of ignoring Ladakh’s long-standing demands. Jairam Ramesh, the party’s communication chief, said the people were promised empowerment when Ladakh became a Union Territory but instead face threats to land rights, loss of employment security, and increasing control by the bureaucracy.

He stressed that repeated talks without results have fueled anger. “The people of Ladakh are proud Indians, yet their voices are silenced. The government must act now, not keep dragging the issue,” Ramesh said.

Protesters have demanded statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. A strict curfew remains in place in Leh, with dozens detained since the unrest. Beyond local grievances, China’s actions on the Line of Actual Control have heightened uncertainty, deepening the feeling of neglect among Ladakhis.

Analysis The crisis in Ladakh reflects more than just administrative discontent—it highlights a trust deficit between locals and Delhi. Unless the Centre moves beyond “endless committees” and takes concrete steps, frustration will only harden. For ordinary residents, the demand is simple: genuine autonomy, protection of land and jobs, and a say in their own future.