Indian authorities have imposed a strict curfew in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, after violent clashes between police and protesters left four dead and dozens injured. The unrest, the worst in decades, broke out during long-running protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s land, jobs, and identity. Protesters torched a BJP office and police vehicle, leading to police firing live rounds and tear gas. The government blamed activist Sonam Wangchuk for inciting violence—a charge he denies. The curfew follows growing frustration among youth over unemployment and delayed talks with the central government. Tensions remain high. (PC: BBC)

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed Elon Musk’s X case against the government’s Sahyog portal. X argued that the portal allowed officials to arbitrarily order content takedowns, but the court called the challenge “without merit.” The judge said social media cannot have “anarchic freedom” and termed Sahyog a “public good.” The verdict raises concerns about free speech and digital rights in India. X, with around 25 million Indian users, has challenged government takedown powers before. It is unclear whether the platform will appeal the ruling. (PC: X)

The BJP alleged that Congress councillor Stanzin Tsepang instigated the violent Ladakh protest, claiming he marched with a weapon and targeted the BJP office. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said Congress was trying to create unrest like Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. Four people were killed and 80 injured in the clashes. Activist Sonam Wangchuk dismissed the claims, saying Congress lacks the influence to mobilize 5,000 youths. He said frustration among Gen Z over unfulfilled statehood demands triggered the violence. Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike and expressed sadness at the deaths in Leh. (PC: HT)

On September 24, 2025, violent protests broke out in Leh, Ladakh, demanding full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. The unrest resulted in at least four deaths and over 100 injuries, including 60–70 police personnel. Protesters engaged in arson, stone-pelting, and vandalism, targeting BJP offices and police vehicles. The Union Home Ministry attributed the violence to "provocative statements" by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September 10. The BJP further alleged that Congress was behind the unrest, citing the involvement of Congress councillor Stanzin Tsepang in inciting violence. Wangchuk condemned the violence but emphasized that it stemmed from years of unmet demands and rising youth frustration. He called for a meeting with the Centre before October 6 to address the issues.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has blamed the BJP’s reversal on promises and widespread unemployment for fueling the recent unrest in Ladakh. He described the protests—turning violent with arson and clashes—as an “organic outburst” of pent-up youth frustration demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. At least four people died and over 70 were injured amid confrontations and curfews imposed in Leh. Wangchuk called the turn to violence a sad day, urging that promises now be kept.   

Several female students of a Delhi management institute have accused Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati (aka Parth Sarthy) of sexual harassment. On 4 August, a complaint was filed at Vasant Kunj North Police Station regarding harassment of PGDM students under EWS quotas. During the investigation, statements from 32 students were recorded; 17 alleged abusive language, unsolicited obscene messages, and unwanted physical contact. Police discovered a Volvo with a forged diplomatic plate at the institute’s basement, linked to Saraswati. He remains absconding while police conduct raids and digital forensics. Meanwhile, the religious Peetham he was affiliated with has officially severed ties and condemned his actions. (PC: ANI)  

The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in Leh that left five dead on Wednesday. Wangchuk, leading the Ladakh statehood movement since 2019-20, allegedly misled people by referencing Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal. He ended his hunger strike after condemning the violent turn of the protest. The government said talks with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance were progressing, with results like increased tribal reservations, women’s representation in hill councils, recognition of Bhoti and Purgi languages, and recruitment for 1,800 jobs. High-level talks continue. (PC: HT)

Kulgam police have arrested 26-year-old Mohammad Yousuf Kataria for helping terrorists in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. He guided Lashkar-e-Taiba members through local forests and provided shelter. The attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 people, including 25 tourists. Kataria worked a contract job and also taught local children before joining the terrorists. Investigators are tracing past movements, hideouts, and Overground Worker support used by the attackers. Earlier, two men were arrested for aiding the terrorists. The three main attackers were killed in July during Operation Mahadev. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed they were Pakistan-based terrorists. (PC: India Today)

Violent protests erupted in Leh as Ladakh’s demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status turned tense. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk accused the government of “defeating peaceful protests by forcing youth to take up violence.” He said Gen Z protesters, including school girls, college students, and monks, joined in large numbers for the first time. The unrest began during a hunger strike by Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Wangchuk said delays in talks with the Centre angered the people. “Youth said peaceful protests are not working,” he noted, warning that matters could slip out of control if ignored. (PC: The Hindu)

Gen Z protesters brought Leh, Ladakh to a standstill as violence erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body’s youth wing. Four people were killed and 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. Angry youth torched the BJP office, a police van, and several vehicles, while clashing with security forces. Police responded with teargas and firing to control the mob. The protest was held to demand statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule status. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his hunger strike, appealed for calm, urging youth to stop violence. Talks with the Centre are scheduled for October 6. (PC: New Indian Express)