Ladakh Protests | What Sparked Violent Ladakh Protests? Why Statehood Matters For Leh, Ladakh?

Ladakh Protests | What Sparked Violent Ladakh Protests? Why Statehood Matters For Leh, Ladakh? The initial protests, the face of which was (and remains) environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk were peaceful. The violence now reflects the Ladakhis' long-felt frustration. Talks between the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance - representing the Buddhist majority and Shia Muslim-dominated regions in Ladakh - and the centre have stalled. However, as time passed and statehood was no closer, the rallies became tenser. And young people, many from the 'Gen Z' demographic - which made headlines this month for protests in Nepal that forced a corrupt government to stand down - responded, holding more forceful rallies and shutdowns and, in this case, torching a Central Reserve Police Force van.