Ladakh violence: MHA orders judicial probe; move comes day ahead of Leh body march | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs on Friday ordered a judicial probe into the September 24 violence in Ladakh that led to the death of 4 people. The judicial inquiry would be conducted by retired SC judge B S Chauhan.The move comes a day ahead of protest march and blackout, which is set to take place in solidarity with those killed, injured, and arrested during the firing on protesters demanding statehood and autonomy for the Union territory (UT). Among those held are environment activist and Leh Apex Body (LAB) member Sonam Wangchuk.

LAB members alleged that the government had made no effort to restart talks or address their demands.On September 24, security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters in Ladakh demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood, resulting in four deaths and over 70 injuries. Following the violence, authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions, suspended mobile Internet, and arrested more than 70 people, including LAB leader Wangchuk, who was charged under the National Security Act (NSA).Since then, some restrictions have been eased and Internet access restored, though groups like LAB and KDA dispute claims of normalcy. Scheduled talks on autonomy demands on October 6 were called off by the protesters, who are insisting on a judicial inquiry into the alleged firing and the release of all detainees, including Wangchuk. Ladakh violence: MHA orders judicial probe; move comes day ahead of Leh body march