Ladakh LG Clears Withdrawal of Cases Against 20 Booked in Leh Violence

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with the violence that broke out in Leh on September 24 last year.

Announcing the decision, Saxena said it was taken in the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony in the Union Territory. He said the step would allow the 20 individuals to move ahead with their lives and careers, and that choosing justice and healing over drawn-out litigation would help build a more peaceful, united and harmonious society in Ladakh.

The Ladakh Police, after a comprehensive review, had recommended a closure report for the 20 individuals in FIR No. 144/2005 registered at the Leh police station, invoking section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Saxena also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his continued guidance and sympathetic approach in matters concerning victims and their families.

The Ladakh administration had said in August that it would file closure reports in cases lodged against certain individuals in the wake of the September 24, 2025 violence.

The decision comes a day after representatives of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) met officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Leh, and a day before the first anniversary of the incident.

On Wednesday, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a symbolic padyatra in Leh to mark the anniversary of the violence, which erupted during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. The protests turned violent, leaving four people dead and several injured, after which the Union Territory administration ordered a judicial enquiry.

Wangchuk announced that September 24 would be observed as Shaheed Diwas.