Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Ladakh Withdraws 20 Cases Before Leh Violence Anniversary
A protest in Leh, Ladakh, became violent on September 24, 2025.
Four people died and 44 were injured.
Police later identified 87 people as accused in cases connected to rioting and arson.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved ending the cases against 20 of them.
The decision was made after police reviewed the investigations.
Officials said it could help peace and healing in Ladakh.
Ladakh representatives want cases against everyone affected by the violence to be withdrawn.
They are also asking for stronger political, constitutional, and employment protections for the region.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved withdrawing cases against 20 people linked to the September 24 violence in Leh.
The cases involve individuals named in FIR No. 144/2005 and were withdrawn under Section 360 of the BNSS, 2023.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.
Four people were killed and 44 injured when protests over Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards turned violent.
Ladakh groups welcomed the case-withdrawal step but continue demanding withdrawal of all related cases and broader constitutional and political safeguards.
- Who
- Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the withdrawal of cases against 20 of the 87 identified accused.
- What
- Criminal cases connected to the Leh violence were withdrawn for 20 individuals.
- When
- The approval came shortly before the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025, violence.
- Where
- Leh, Ladakh.
- Why
- The administration cited peace, public tranquillity, social harmony, justice, and healing; case withdrawal was also a key demand of Ladakh representatives.
Ladakh Representatives and Activists
Ladakh Administration
Scope of case withdrawal
Ladakh Representatives and Activists
The Kargil Democratic Alliance, Leh Apex Body, and other representatives 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, rather than announcing withdrawal of every case involving the 87 accused.
Assessment of the response
Ladakh Representatives and Activists
Sonam Wangchuk said the compensation announced for the four deaths was meagre and criticized the lack of progress on the findings of a judicial commission into alleged excesses.
Ladakh Administration
The administration described the case withdrawals and compensation as steps toward justice, healing, peace, and solidarity with victims and their families.
Future safeguards
Ladakh Representatives and Activists
Ladakh groups are seeking constitutional safeguards, financial powers for an elected Ladakh Legislative Assembly, and a separate Public Service Commission.
Ladakh Administration
The Centre has proposed an Article 371(K)-type constitutional provision to provide additional protections for Ladakh.
- Cases withdrawn
- Cases against 20 individuals
- Accused identified
- 87 people; 81 were arrested
- Case reference
- FIR No. 144/2005, Leh police station
- Legal provision
- Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Casualties
- Four people killed and 44 injured
- Compensation
- Rs 15 lakh for each victim's next of kin; Rs 3 lakh for major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries
- Related demands
- Unconditional withdrawal of all cases, financial powers for a proposed elected assembly, and a separate Public Service Commission
Sources
Ladakh administration withdraws cases against 20 booked in last year’s Leh violence
Ladakh LG withdraws 20 cases linked to September 24 violence ahead of anniversary
Ladakh Drops Cases Against Protesters Day Before September 24 Anniversary
Cases Against 20 Accused in Leh Violence Withdrawn
