Leh (Ladakh): The Ladakh administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the violent clashes that broke out in Leh on September 24, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and sparked widespread concern over the use of police force.
The inquiry aims to investigate the causes behind the violence, identify those responsible, and assess the actions taken by law enforcement during the unrest. Officials have assured that the process will be time-bound and transparent, with the final report to be submitted within four weeks from the date of the order.
According to an official notice, the administration is encouraging individuals with information, eyewitness accounts, or evidence — including photographs or video recordings — to voluntarily appear before the inquiry officer between October 4 and 18.
“Any person(s) having information about the incident or who is willing/desirous to give oral evidence, written statement, or material evidence may appear before the undersigned and provide statements/evidence as per the schedule given,” the notice stated.
Officials emphasized that public cooperation is critical to ensuring a fair and comprehensive investigation.
The violence stemmed from protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and the region’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special rights and protections to tribal communities. The clashes claimed the lives of Jigmet Dorjey (Kharnak), Rinchen Dadul (Hanu), Stanzin Namgail (Igoo), and Tsewang Tharchin (Skurbucha), as per the administration’s notice.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and activists. Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and CEO of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), accused the central government of misusing police forces in Ladakh.
In a strongly worded post on X, Angmo compared the present situation to British colonial rule, stating:
“Is India really free? In 1857, 24,000 Britishers used 135,000 Indian sepoys to oppress 300 million Indians under orders from the Queen. Today, a dozen administrators are misusing 2,400 Ladakhi police to oppress and torture 3 lakh Ladakhis under the orders of the MHA.”
In a sign of easing tensions, curfew restrictions were relaxed earlier today. Shops reopened, and streets in Leh saw the return of vehicles and pedestrians. Local markets are now allowed to operate from 10 am to 5 pm, bringing much-needed relief to residents after days of shutdown.
The situation in Ladakh remains sensitive, with both local and national attention now focused on the outcome of the inquiry and the government’s response to demands for constitutional safeguards.
