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Agencies are worried that prolonged unrest in the strategically vital region could lead to radicalisation and severe economic disruption, especially to the lucrative tourism sector
Security personnel try to stop agitators amid a protest and shutdown, in Leh, Ladakh, on Sept 24. (PTI photo)
The ongoing protest movement in Ladakh, driven by demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards, has escalated into a major security concern for central intelligence agencies. According to an intel note accessed by CNN-News18, agencies are worried that prolonged unrest in the strategically vital region could lead to radicalisation and severe economic disruption, particularly to the lucrative tourism sector.
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The protests, which have now entered their third week, are led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. The movement is demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a provision that protects the land rights and identity of tribal populations. The situation has intensified with activists staging hunger strikes since September 10, leading to the hospitalisation of two youth leaders after 35 days without food.
Security agencies view the unrest as a delicate balancing act. Ladakh is a crucial frontline, sharing borders with both China in Eastern Ladakh and Pakistan in the Kargil sector. Any prolonged internal security issue here could undermine India’s military logistics and strategic deterrence. The intel note warns that granting special constitutional status to Ladakh could also embolden similar autonomy movements in the Northeast and other tribal belts, posing a threat to India’s territorial integrity.
The movement has seen acts of violence, including the torching of a BJP office and police vehicles, prompting a heavy security deployment and the use of tear gas by security forces. A key figure in the protests is activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has mobilised civil society and youth groups. The protest leaders have emphasised that their movement is a purely local and tribal matter and have removed political party members from their negotiating panel to maintain its non-partisan nature. The central government has initiated dialogue, but a swift resolution is deemed crucial to prevent further escalation and to avoid international attention on a region critical to India’s national security.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
September 24, 2025, 23:21 IST
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