Fri Sep 26 01:29:20 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the recent violent clashes in Leh, Ladakh, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. The clashes stemmed from protests demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Abdullah defended the Congress party, accusing the BJP of deflecting blame for the administration’s failure to maintain peace. He urged the people of Ladakh to maintain peace and for the Indian government to address their legitimate demands. He also highlighted the existing division of union territories and progress within them.
**News Article:**
**Ladakh Unrest: J&K CM Abdullah Blames BJP for Failed Governance, Urges Peace**
**Jammu, September 26, 2025 (The Hindu):** In the wake of deadly clashes in Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has placed blame squarely on the BJP-led administration for failing to prevent the violence. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Abdullah defended the Congress party, dismissing BJP accusations that they were responsible for the unrest which left four dead and over 80 injured.
“The government [in Ladakh] is theirs [BJP’s]. When they fail, they blame someone else,” Abdullah stated, highlighting the BJP’s recent losses in council elections despite the Ladakh region being under their administration. “When things go wrong, the BJP people always come up with excuses.”
The clashes erupted on Wednesday as protesters demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent, reportedly setting the BJP office and vehicles on fire.
Abdullah, who was visiting flood-affected areas in Reasi district, argued that the Ladakh administration should examine its own shortcomings in maintaining peace. He appealed to the people of Ladakh to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“I would appeal to people to not take the law in their hands, and follow the path of peace,” Abdullah urged, adding that “The government of India should pay attention to their legitimate demands.”
Abdullah also called for brotherhood between Kargil and Leh and acknowledged their initial desire for a Union Territory, suggesting they focus on progress within that framework.
The situation in Ladakh remains tense, and Abdullah’s comments are likely to further inflame political tensions in the region. The incident raises serious questions about governance and the handling of long-standing demands in the newly formed Union Territory.
First Piper 