Context
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — two key socio-political coalitions spearheading Ladakh’s demand for constitutional safeguards — have rejected the magisterial inquiry ordered by the Ladakh administration into the September 24 violence in Leh, which left four dead and over 100 injured, including a Kargil War veteran.
The groups have demanded an independent judicial investigation, alleging that the current inquiry is an “eyewash.”
Key Highlights
- Background of the Incident
- The violence erupted during protests in Leh city over long-standing demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule protection, and job guarantees.
- Police action led to four deaths and more than 100 injuries.
- Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, heightening public anger.
- Administrative Action
- On October 1, the Ladakh administration ordered a magisterial inquiry led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mukul Beniwal (Nubra).
- The public was asked to submit documents and videos between October 4–18.
- Terms of reference include examining the facts, circumstances, police response, and resultant casualties.
- Rejection and Demands by LAB–KDA
- LAB co-convener Cherring Dorjay Lakruk termed the probe an “eyewash.”
- Both LAB and KDA are demanding a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting or retired judge, not a local administrative officer.
- They also demanded:
- Unconditional release of detained youth,
- Access to legal counsel for Sonam Wangchuk,
- Official condemnation of social-media campaigns labeling Ladakhis as “anti-nationals” or “pro-Pakistan.”
- LAB–KDA have suspended ongoing talks with the Union Home Ministry until these conditions are met.
- Current Status
- Out of 39 arrested individuals, 26 were granted bail as of October 3.
- The Union Home Ministry has yet to respond formally to LAB–KDA’s latest communication.
Broader Background: The Ladakh Autonomy Movement
- After the abrogation of Article 370 (2019) and bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature.
- Since 2020, the Leh Apex Body (representing Buddhist-majority Leh) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (representing Muslim-majority Kargil) have jointly sought:
- Full statehood,
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (for protection of land, jobs, and culture),
- Public Service Commission for local recruitment, and
- Job and land reservation for Ladakhis.
- Both groups view the recent violence and detentions as part of a larger breakdown in trust between the Centre and local stakeholders.