Ladakh withdraws cases against 20 booked in Leh violence; Sonam Wangchuk leads padyatra ahead of anniversary

LEH: On the eve of the first anniversary of the violence in Leh that left four people dead, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with the incident.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also led a symbolic padyatra in the city to demand justice for those killed and injured.Saxena said the decision was taken after a comprehensive review, with the Ladakh Police recommending a closure report for the 20 individuals in FIR No 144/2005 registered at the Leh police station under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), news agency PTI reported.“In the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity, and social harmony in Ladakh, I have approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals, related to the unfortunate violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year,” Saxena said in a post on X.He said the decision would allow the 20 individuals to move forward with their lives and careers, adding that prioritising justice and healing over prolonged litigation would help foster a peaceful and harmonious society in Ladakh.Saxena also thanked Union home minister Amit Shah for his “constant guidance and sympathetic approach” in matters concerning victims and their families.The announcement came a day after representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) met officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Leh, as the region prepared to mark the first anniversary of the violence.Meanwhile, Wangchuk, a member of the LAB, led the padyatra ahead of Thursday’s Shaheed Diwas, which will mark one year since the September 24, 2025 violence during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh.The march was shortened due to changing weather conditions, while organisers kept the programme local and limited participation from outside the region. The padyatra also saw limited participation from local people, PTI reported.“We organised the padyatra today and will observe Shaheed Diwas tomorrow in memory of those who were killed in the indiscriminate firing on September 24 last year. The day will be observed as Shaheed Diwas, with people expected to offer prayers at temples, mosques, churches and other religious places,” Wangchuk said.He demanded that the report of the judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident be submitted at the earliest, saying a year had passed without its findings being made public.Wangchuk said the inquiry should establish the circumstances that led to the firing, whether there was an order to open fire and how the violence began. He also sought adequate compensation for those killed and injured.The September 24, 2025 protests in Leh, held over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh, turned violent, leaving four people dead and several others injured, PTI reported.The Union Territory administration subsequently ordered a judicial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the violence and police action.The LAB and KDA have since been engaged in talks with the Centre over Ladakh’s demands.Wangchuk said the next meeting with the Centre is scheduled for October and urged the government to address the issues with “an open heart, a clear mind and honesty”.Wangchuk further added that September was being observed as “martyrs’ month” in memory of those who died, were injured or jailed during the agitation for safeguards for Ladakh’s land, culture and democratic rights.(With agency inputs)Stay updated with the latest Srinagar news. Download the TOI App.