Wangchuk seeks Ladakh firing inquiry report, higher relief a year on

A year after four people were killed in police firing during protests in Ladakh, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has demanded that the findings of the judicial inquiry into the violence be made public, that compensation for the victims' families be raised, and that criminal cases against people not involved in the violence be withdrawn.

In a statement marking one year since the September 24, 2025 violence, Wangchuk said the families of those killed were still awaiting answers and questioned why the report of the inquiry headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B S Chauhan had not been released. The government set up the probe after the violence to examine the events of that day.

"Almost a year later, Ladakh is still waiting for its findings," Wangchuk said, asking who ordered the firing, whether crowd-control procedures had been exhausted before live ammunition was used, and whether the deaths could have been avoided.

Four people were killed in the police firing during the protests, according to the statement, which added that another person died by suicide and scores were injured. Several people were arrested and charged with serious offences, it said.

Wangchuk criticised the Rs 15 lakh compensation announced by the Ladakh administration for the next of kin of each of the four killed. While acknowledging that no money could make up for the loss of a life, he called the amount inadequate and sought a "respectable and dignified" sum. He also asked for compensation proportionate to the suffering of those who suffered serious or lasting injuries.

Detention under NSA

The activist also raised questions about his own detention under the National Security Act after the protests. He was detained on September 26, 2025, and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail, where he said he remained for nearly six months. His detention order was revoked on March 14, 2026, while it was being challenged before the Supreme Court.

"If I really was such a danger to national security or public order that I had to be taken away from Ladakh and kept under the NSA, then why am I free today?" Wangchuk asked, saying that if he was not such a danger, there should be accountability for the six months he spent in detention.

He further questioned the continued prosecution of people arrested after the violence. According to his statement, 87 people were identified as accused, and 81 were arrested and subjected to criminal proceedings. The administration has approved the withdrawal of cases against 20 people, he said, but asked what would happen to the remaining cases.

Wangchuk said that while those against whom there was credible evidence of violence should face the law, cases against those who were merely present at the protests or had tried to calm the situation should be reviewed.

Call for justice reforms

He also broadened his criticism to the criminal justice system, saying his experience in Jodhpur jail had made him reflect on the plight of undertrials across the country. He called for reforms concerning undertrial detention, accountability in investigation and prosecution, compensation for wrongful deprivation of liberty, and safeguards against the misuse of extraordinary laws.

"A democracy should never be afraid of questions," Wangchuk said, concluding that his demands were not for revenge but for "truth", "justice" and "accountability", along with reforms to prevent a recurrence of what happened in Ladakh.