Peaceful Protests and Shutdowns in Ladakh Demand Statehood and Sixth Schedule Inclusion

On March 16, 2026, Ladakh witnessed peaceful protests and shutdowns in Leh and Kargil, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Demonstrators demanded statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The rallies followed the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act since September 2025. Security was heightened, but no untoward incidents occurred. Protesters also remembered those killed in last year's clashes and called for further dialogue with the Union government.