In response to the violent events that occurred in Leh on September 24, leading to four fatalities, the central government has officially ordered a judicial probe. The inquiry will be spearheaded by Dr. Justice B.S. Chauhan, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, who will be supported by Mohan Singh Parihar, a retired District and Sessions Judge, and Tushar Anand, an IAS officer. This decision was announced by the Ladakh administration.
The incident saw clashes between protestors and police, resulting in arson. Notably, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the violence and subsequently transferred to Jodhpur jail. The protestors had been engaged in a month-long demonstration, advocating for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance had specifically requested a judicial investigation by a Supreme Court judge into the civilian deaths. This announcement precedes a planned silent protest and blackout in Ladakh by these bodies. Both organizations have previously expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue, seeing a judicial probe as a potential pathway to further discussions with the Centre. They had previously declined talks scheduled for October 6.
Welcoming the government’s decision, Chering Dorje, co-convener of the Leh Apex Body, expressed hope that Ladakh’s leaders would soon be invited for talks. The Union home ministry reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing dialogue, stating that the government remains open to discussions through the high-powered committee on Ladakh or other platforms.