MHA Orders Judicial Probe into September 24 Leh Violence; Retired SC Judge B.S. Chauhan to Lead Inquiry
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday ordered a judicial probe into the September 24 violence in Leh, appointing retired Supreme Court judge, Justice B.S. Chauhan, to investigate the circumstances that led to the serious law and order situation, the police action, and the resultant deaths of four individuals.
An official statement said that on September 24, a grave law and order situation had erupted in Leh town, prompting police action that resulted in the deaths of four people.
“To ensure a fair and impartial inquiry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has appointed Hon’ble Dr. Justice B.S. Chauhan, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, to conduct a judicial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the law and order situation, the police response, and the unfortunate loss of four lives,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the government said it remains open to discussions with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the High-Powered Committee on Ladakh or any other suitable platform.
“We are confident that continued dialogue will bring about the desired outcomes soon. The government stands fully committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh,” the statement added.
The September 24 clashes between security forces and protesters demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule left four dead and around 90 injured. Two days later, police arrested climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting the violence, following which he was shifted to Jodhpur jail.
