Ladakh withdraws cases against 10 more people booked in 2025 Leh violence

The Ladakh administration has withdrawn criminal cases against 10 individuals involved in the violence that occurred in Leh on September 24 of the previous year. This move is part of the Union Territory's efforts to grant amnesty to those arrested following the incident. This decision aligns with the region's representatives who have been advocating for special protections.

Just a month earlier, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had announced the withdrawal of cases against 20 of the 87 people initially booked in connection with the violence. Saxena emphasized that the withdrawal of these cases is a demonstration of the administration's commitment to promoting unity, healing, and lasting peace in Ladakh.

The decision to withdraw these cases was approved after the Ladakh Police recommended the action. Saxena stated that this decision provides a positive trajectory for the affected individuals, focusing on justice, recovery, and social harmony rather than prolonged litigation. Earlier, the Ladhak administration had planned to file closure reports in cases against 25 of the accused in the violence.

Of the 87 people identified as suspects, 81 were arrested, and criminal proceedings commenced against them. Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra had also mentioned that nine individuals had been charged, indicating evidence of their involvement. The LG's office directed the Ladakh Deputy Police-General to review the remaining cases under investigation.

The violence resulted in the deaths of four protesters and injuries to 44 individuals. After the protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh turned violent, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike, was arrested under the National Security Act and detained in Jodhpur jail for six months.

On September 13, the administration granted compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the families of the four individuals killed during the violence. The LG also approved ex gratia payments of Rs 3 lakh for those with major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.