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Leh Violence: Judicial Probe Ordered Amid Mob Attack and 4 Deaths

The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a judicial inquiry into the violent incident that shook Leh on September 24. Former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan will lead the investigation into the events that led to police firing and four deaths. The violence erupted when a mob, allegedly instigated by activist Sonam Wangchuk's speeches, attacked government offices and police personnel. The inquiry aims to ensure transparency while examining both the mob violence and subsequent police response.

Key Points: MHA Orders Judicial Inquiry Into Leh Police Firing Incident

  • Former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan to lead judicial probe into Leh violence
  • Mob instigated by Sonam Wangchuk's speeches attacked government offices
  • Police resorted to firing in self-defense, resulting in four fatalities
  • Over 30 police and CRPF personnel injured during violent clashes
  • FIR registered under multiple sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
  • Inquiry to examine circumstances leading to police action and deaths
2 min read

MHA orders judicial inquiry into Leh law and order incident

Former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan to lead inquiry into September 24 Leh violence that left 4 dead after mob attacks on government offices and police.

"The inquiry aims to ensure transparency and accountability in examining the events that led to the incident and the subsequent police response - Ministry of Home Affairs"

New Delhi, October 17

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday ordered a judicial inquiry into the law and order incident that occurred in Leh town on September 24, which led to police action and the unfortunate death of four individuals.

The inquiry will be conducted by former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan to examine the circumstances leading to the incident, the subsequent police action, and the resulting loss of lives.

An FIR has already been registered at Leh Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 189, 191(2), 191(3), 190, 115(2), 118(1), 118(2), 326, 324, 326(e), 326(f), 326(g), 309, 109, 117(2), 125, 121(1), and 61(2).

Justice Chauhan will be assisted in the inquiry by Mohan Singh Parihar, Retired District and Sessions Judge, as Judicial Secretary, and Tushar Anand, IAS, as Administrative Secretary.

The ministry stated that the inquiry aims to ensure transparency and accountability in examining the events that led to the incident and the subsequent police response

The move comes days after a mob instigated by activist Sonam Wangchuk's provocative speeches left the venue of his hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as government office of the CEC Leh. They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle. The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police and Central Reserve Police Foce personnel were injured. The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported.

A hunger strike was started by Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Central government has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders.

The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45 per cent to 84 per cent, providing one-third women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. With this process for recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced. However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC has been trying to sabotage the dialogue process.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Very sad to hear about the loss of lives. While the demands for statehood and 6th schedule are genuine, turning to violence and destroying public property is unacceptable. The government was already engaging in dialogue and had made significant progress. This judicial inquiry must bring clarity.
P
Priya S
The government has actually delivered on many fronts - 84% reservation for STs, women reservation, official language status. Why such violence then? Leaders should guide people toward dialogue, not provoke them. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. 🙏
A
Arjun K
While I support the judicial inquiry, I'm concerned about the timing. This should have been ordered immediately after the incident, not weeks later. The people of Ladakh have genuine concerns that need addressing through peaceful means, not through delayed reactions.
M
Michael C
As someone who has visited Ladakh multiple times, I can understand the local aspirations. However, attacking police and burning government offices is not the way forward. The judicial inquiry must examine both the police action and the provocation that led to this situation.
K
Kavya N
The progress mentioned - from 45% to 84% ST reservation, women quota, language recognition - shows the government is listening. But four lives lost is too high a price. Hope this inquiry brings closure and prevents such tragedies in future. Ladakh needs development, not violence.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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