New Delhi: The Indian government is under increasing pressure after violent protests in Ladakh left four people dead last week, raising questions about governance in the Union Territory despite claims of rapid development since 2019.

The unrest erupted in Leh as protesters, led by the Leh Apex Body and local activists, renewed demands for full statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, job reservations for locals, and more political representation. The violence shocked officials, who had highlighted what they called unprecedented progress in infrastructure and governance since Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir.

The situation escalated further with the arrest of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. His detention, along with the cancellation of his NGO SECMOL’s foreign funding licence, has drawn criticism from opposition groups and human rights advocates.

The Leh Apex Body has announced it will not resume dialogue with the central government until normalcy returns, calling for the release of detainees and a judicial inquiry into the deaths of protesters. Two of the deceased were cremated under tight security, while restrictions on gatherings and mobile internet remain in place.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has maintained it is open to dialogue at any time but has also indicated suspicions of a wider plot behind the protests.

Reports suggest officials are investigating whether external influences contributed to the violence, with references to mobilization of younger groups being examined.

Meanwhile, the region’s tourism-dependent economy has been badly hit, with cancellations and disruptions compounding local discontent. Political representatives from Ladakh have also questioned the police response, demanding accountability and transparency.