Congress party on Friday urged the Indian government to address the escalating distress in Ladakh, where violent protests for statehood and constitutional protections left four dead and 90 injured. The unrest, sparked by a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Wednesday, underscores the growing frustration among Ladakhis over unfulfilled promises since the region was declared a Union Territory in 2019.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the profound disappointment among Ladakh’s residents, who initially welcomed the Union Territory status with high hopes. Instead, they face threats to land and employment rights, with local administration and elected bodies increasingly controlled by the Lieutenant Governor and bureaucracy. The demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special protections to tribal areas, and the establishment of an elected legislature have been met with endless discussions but no concrete action. “The people of Ladakh have seen only meetings after meetings,” Ramesh stated on X, emphasizing the need for urgent resolution.

The strategic and cultural significance of Ladakh, a region of immense ecological and economic value, cannot be overstated. Ramesh pointed to additional concerns stemming from China’s unilateral actions along the Line of Actual Control, compounded by what he called the Prime Minister’s “clean chit” to China on June 19, 2020, which has left Ladakhis grappling with uncertainty. “Their distress and anguish must awaken the Government of India’s conscience—not just for more talks but for fulfilling their legitimate aspirations in full measure at the earliest,” he asserted.

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Following Wednesday’s violence, Leh remains under strict curfew, enforced by police and paramilitary forces. At least 50 individuals have been detained in connection with the clashes, which erupted during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. The LAB, leading the agitation, continues to press for greater autonomy and safeguards to preserve Ladakh’s unique identity and resources. As tensions linger, the Congress has called for immediate action to restore trust and address the region’s long-standing grievances, warning that further delays could deepen the crisis in this strategically vital region.

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