Amidst tight security and a curfew, the cremation of two of the four individuals who died during the recent protests in Ladakh took place on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The protests were sparked by demands for statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory.

Leh, the main city in Ladakh, remained tense and deserted as the cremations were carried out. Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been in place for five days. A heavy deployment of police and CRPF personnel was visible throughout the city, with roads and intersections sealed off by concertina wire.

The two victims cremated were identified as Stanzin Namgyal of Igoo and Jigmet Dorjey of Kharanki. Their bodies were taken to the crematorium under heavy police escort around 2 PM. Media access was restricted beyond Singay Namgyal Chowk, a well-known landmark in Leh. Neighbors and other residents arrived at Namgyal's home in the morning to pay their respects. Young people, some visibly emotional, watched the funeral procession carrying white cloths at King Singay Namgyal Chowk. The remaining two victims, Rinchen Dadul from Hanu village and Tsewang Tharchin from Skur Buchan village, are expected to be cremated on Monday.

The protests in Ladakh have been ongoing, spearheaded by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The situation escalated following a hunger strike led by Sonam Wangchuk, an environmental activist and educator, who is advocating for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Recent reports indicate Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and moved to Jodhpur Jail.

The restrictions imposed in the wake of the protests have severely impacted daily life in Leh. While some pharmacies remained open, shops and commercial establishments were closed. Residents are struggling to obtain essential supplies, including food. Migrant laborers from Doda in Jammu have also reported shortages.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a high-level meeting to assess the security situation and warned against any attempts to incite violence or disrupt peace in the region. He assured the people of Ladakh that the administration is dedicated to protecting their rights, cultural identity, and aspirations and urged them to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.