4 hrs ago
Ladakh Withdraws Cases Against 20 Over Leh Violence
A protest took place in Leh, Ladakh, on September 24 last year.
The protest became violent, and four people were killed while 44 were injured.
Police later identified 87 people as accused in cases linked to rioting and arson.
Ladakh’s police reviewed the cases and recommended closing the cases against 20 people.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved that recommendation.
Officials said the decision was meant to support peace and healing.
Ladakh groups want cases against everyone affected by the violence to be withdrawn.
They are also asking for stronger political and employment protections for the region.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved withdrawing criminal cases against 20 people linked to the September 24 Leh violence.
The cases concern accused named in FIR No. 144/2005 at Leh police station and were withdrawn under Section 360 of the BNSS, 2023.
Police identified 87 accused in the rioting cases, arrested 81, and recommended closure reports for 20 after reviewing the investigations.
The violence followed protests demanding Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule protections; four protesters were killed and 44 injured in police firing.
The decision came before the first anniversary and alongside demands from Ladakh groups for withdrawal of all related cases and additional constitutional safeguards.
- Who
- Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the withdrawal; the cases involved 20 of 87 identified accused.
- What
- Criminal cases against 20 individuals connected to the Leh violence were withdrawn.
- Where
- Leh, Ladakh.
- When
- The violence occurred on September 24 last year, and the withdrawal was approved before its first anniversary.
- Why
- The administration cited peace, public tranquillity, social harmony, justice, and healing; withdrawal of cases was also a demand of Ladakh representatives.
Ladakh Representatives
Ladakh Administration
Scope of case withdrawal
Ladakh Representatives
The Kargil Democratic Alliance and Leh Apex Body have demanded the unconditional withdrawal of all cases connected with the September 24 violence.
Ladakh Administration
The administration approved closure reports for 20 individuals after a police review; the detailed statements identify 20 cases rather than all cases involving the 87 accused.
Political and employment safeguards
Ladakh Representatives
Ladakh groups are seeking financial powers for a proposed elected Ladakh Legislative Assembly, a separate Public Service Commission, and constitutional safeguards.
Ladakh Administration
The administration has highlighted the case withdrawals as a step toward peace and healing, while the Centre has proposed Article 371(K) to provide additional protections for Ladakh.
Key facts
- Cases withdrawn
- 20 criminal cases
- Accused identified
- 87 people; 81 were arrested
- Violence date
- September 24 last year
- Deaths and injuries
- Four people killed and 44 injured
- Police case
- FIR No. 144/2005, Police Station Leh
- Legal provision
- Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Compensation
- Rs 15 lakh for each victim’s next of kin; Rs 3 lakh for major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries
Quotes
Ladakh administration spokesman
A spokesperson for the Ladakh administration
“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. Following a comprehensive review, the Ladakh police recommended a closure report for 20 individuals, in FIR no. 144/2005, registered at PS – Leh, under section 360 of the BNSS”
indianexpress.com
“He has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals related to the unfortunate violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year. The cases have been withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, on the recommendation of the Ladakh Police following a comprehensive review of the status of the investigations.”
NDTV
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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