Massive youth-led protests erupted in Leh, Ladakh, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. Police used teargas and baton charges as demonstrations turned violent.

Protestors set fire to a BJP office and a vehicle outside, prompting the deployment of additional forces. Smoke was seen billowing from the office as demonstrators surrounded it.

The protests precede talks between the government and Ladakh representatives, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), scheduled for October 6. The youth wing of LAB, which has been conducting a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, called for the shutdown after two participants were hospitalized. LAB has vowed to continue the strike until its demands are met.