Leh/Jammu, Sep 23 Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people, who were booked in connection with the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year.
The development came a day before the first anniversary of the incident. Four persons who lost their lives in the violence were among the 20 against whom the cases were lodged.
The cases have been withdrawn against Mohammad Asif, Shaziya Parveen, Tsetan Norboo, Stanzin Morup, Sonam Zangpo, Jigmet Thinley, Shabir Hussain, Sonam Togdan, Urgain Namdol, Tsering Gyalson, Sonam Gurmet, Zulfikar Ali, Stanzin Chosphel, Ishey Tsering, Rigzin Nurbo and Rinchen Namgyal, besides the four victims — Jigmat Dorjay, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail and Tsewang Thirchin.
A proposal was sent in this regard to the LG for approval and was accepted by Saxena on Wednesday on the recommendation of the Ladakh Police following a comprehensive review of the status of the investigation into the cases.
“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,” the LG said in a post on X.
Protests seeking statehood and safeguards under the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule for Ladakh turned violent on September 24. 2025, leaving four people dead and several injured. The Union Territory administration had subsequently ordered a judicial enquiry into the incident.
Saxena said following a comprehensive review, the Ladakh Police had recommended 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).
The decision will enable the 20 individuals to go ahead with their lives and careers, he said, adding that prioritising justice and healing over protracted litigation would help foster a more peaceful, united and harmonious society in Ladakh.
The LG also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his “constant guidance and sympathetic approach” in matters concerning the victims and their families.
The Ladakh administration had said in August that it would file closure reports in cases against some individuals booked following the September 24, 2025, violence.
The development came a day after representatives of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) met officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Leh.
The decision also came days after the LG, on September 13, sanctioned a compensation of Rs 15 lakh each to the next of kin of the four persons killed in the violence.
The LG had also approved an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh for those who suffered major injuries in the violence and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
The administration said the measures reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims and their families in their journey towards healing and overcoming the grief.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a symbolic “padyatra” in Leh on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025, violence. Wangchuk announced that September 24 will be observed as Shaheed Diwas.
(PTI News)
