The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepang was the primary instigator behind the recent violence in Ladakh, which erupted during protests demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that Tsepang, representing Upper Leh Ward, was seen leading the protests with a weapon and targeting BJP offices, labeling the unrest as a Congress-led initiative rather than a youth-driven "Gen Z" movement.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) echoed these allegations, stating that Tsepang's actions were part of a broader "nefarious design" by the Congress to incite unrest similar to that seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. The MHA also accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike supporting the protests, of misleading the public by drawing parallels to the Arab Spring and "Gen Z" protests in Nepal. The MHA further claimed that Wangchuk's provocative statements contributed to the escalation of violence.

In response, Wangchuk denied the BJP's allegations, asserting that the Congress does not have sufficient influence in Ladakh to mobilize such large-scale protests. He emphasized that the unrest was a result of long-standing frustration among the youth due to unemployment and lack of opportunities, rather than political instigation. Wangchuk condemned the violence, stating that it overshadowed the peaceful nature of the protests.

The situation in Ladakh remains tense, with authorities imposing curfews and detaining over 50 individuals in an attempt to restore order. The protests have led to significant casualties, including four deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the deep-seated issues facing the region.