A view of Ladakh town during violencesocial media

On the eve of the first anniversary of the violence in Leh that claimed the lives of four civilians, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals in connection with the incident.

The decision has been taken in the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony in Ladakh.

The move follows a comprehensive review of the cases, after which the Ladakh Police recommended the submission of a closure report in respect of the 20 individuals in FIR No. 144/2025, registered at Police Station Leh.

The action has been taken under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which provides for withdrawal from prosecution subject to the prescribed legal procedure.

Four people were killed and around 90 others were injured when a bandh call given by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body turned violent on September 24, 2025. Following the violence, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Leh and restrictions in other parts of Ladakh.

On October 17, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced a judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident, including the police action that led to the deaths of four people in Leh. Former Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan was appointed to head the inquiry.

In its notification, the MHA said the inquiry would examine the circumstances leading to the serious law-and-order situation, the police action and the resultant deaths.

The Lieutenant Governor said the decision would allow the 20 individuals to move forward with their lives and careers, while emphasising the need to prioritise justice, healing and reconciliation over prolonged litigation.

The move, he said, is intended to contribute towards a more peaceful, united and harmonious society in Ladakh.

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The Lieutenant Governor also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his continued guidance and sympathetic approach towards matters concerning the victims and their families.

The decision comes amid continued efforts by the Ladakh Administration and the Centre to restore trust, maintain peace and facilitate dialogue following the September 2025 violence.

Congress seeks constitutional safeguards for Ladakh

Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the party stood firmly with the demand of the people of Ladakh for meaningful constitutional safeguards, including Sixth Schedule protection, to protect Ladakh's land, employment, fragile environment, culture and identity.

He also demanded that the judicial inquiry into the deaths of four people during the protests ensure accountability and establish the truth.

In a post on X, Kharge said that a year ago, four people were killed in Leh during the agitation for the democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Ladakh.

"On Martyrs' Day, we pay our solemn homage to them and stand in complete solidarity with their families," he said.

"The judicial inquiry into the tragic events of September 24 must establish the full truth, ensure accountability and deliver justice without fear or favour. The people of Ladakh have waited long enough for their legitimate aspirations to be addressed," he said.

"The Congress party stands firmly with their demand for meaningful Constitutional safeguards, including the Sixth Schedule, to protect Ladakh's land, employment, fragile environment, culture and identity," the Congress chief said.

Kharge said democracy and representative institutions must be fully restored and that the people of Ladakh should have an effective voice in determining their own future.