Ladakh body demands case withdrawal, compensation for 2025 Leh violence victims
The Leh Apex Body (LAB), a civil society organisation in Ladakh, has demanded the withdrawal of criminal cases against youths and compensation for families of those killed or injured in the September 24, 2025 violence in Leh, which left four local residents dead. The demand was made on Thursday, with the group also expressing concern over the slow pace of talks between the Centre and Ladakh.
LAB president Chering Dorjay Lakrook said around 70 to 80 youths were booked in connection with the violence. He argued that these cases should be withdrawn immediately because pending character certificates were preventing the youngsters from participating in recruitment rallies conducted by the security forces.
Mr. Lakrook also urged that families of those who lost their lives, those who committed suicide, and those who suffered crippling injuries be compensated on the lines of the relief given to people injured during the Jantar Mantar protest on July 20, 2025. He said the compensation should be provided expeditiously so that the affected families can begin to rebuild their lives.
Drawing a parallel between the police action at Jantar Mantar and the Leh incident, Mr. Lakrook alleged that the response in Leh was disproportionate. He claimed that unarmed and innocent people were killed by gunfire from AK-47 rifles without a magisterial order, and that no lathi charge was carried out. Over 70 locals suffered bullet injuries, he said. These assertions are attributed to Mr. Lakrook and have not been independently verified by official sources.
Mr. Lakrook extended support to youth protesters in the country, who he said were galvanised by the Communist Party of India (CPI). He noted that the Leh violence did not evoke the same public reaction as the Delhi incident, despite the fact that Ladakhis are patriotic and serve on the country's borders. He expressed disappointment that the sacrifice of Ladakhis on the frontiers was not reflected in the national discourse on the incident.
The LAB chief also expressed concern about the pace of talks between the Centre and Ladakh. The LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been pursuing a four-point demand. He said some progress had been made, but the dialogue was moving very slowly. He hoped that the current situation in the country would not overshadow the importance of resolving Ladakh's issues. The four-point demand includes statehood, constitutional safeguards, political representation, and development-related issues.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk said the cases against the youths should be withdrawn within one month. "Otherwise, we will have to agitate again, which we don't want," he said. His statement underscores the urgency felt by civil society groups in the region.
The September 24 violence took place during protests in Leh over a range of demands, including statehood and employment opportunities. The incident led to the deaths of four locals and sparked widespread concern in the region. The exact circumstances of the violence have not been officially established, and an inquiry is still underway. The Jantar Mantar protest on July 20, which involved similar demands, saw a police action that also led to injuries and arrests, drawing national attention.
Ladakh has been a focal point of political activism since it was carved out as a union territory without a legislature in 2019. Civil society groups have consistently pressed for full statehood and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule. The region's strategic importance, bordering both China and Pakistan, adds to the significance of these demands. The outcome of the current talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives is being closely watched by observers and residents alike.
