New Delhi: The Ladakh administration has announced the withdrawal of cases against 25 people booked in connection with the violent statehood protests in Leh last September, marking a significant confidence-building step as dialogue over the Union Territory’s future governance continues.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said that 87 people were booked after the September 24 violence. Following the investigation, charge sheets have been filed against nine individuals where evidence established their alleged involvement. The remaining 25, who were booked on minor charges and found to have played little or no active role in the violence, will have their cases closed through reports submitted before the court.
Kundra added that the Director General of Police has been directed to review the cases of all others still under investigation. The administration will examine whether additional individuals can be excluded if their involvement in the clashes is not supported by evidence.
The decision comes a day after representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Leh. Both organisations continue to demand greater constitutional and administrative safeguards for Ladakh, including statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, a separate Public Service Commission and an elected legislative assembly with financial powers.
According to the administration, discussions on a new governance framework will continue through a subcommittee meeting expected in New Delhi during the first half of September. The proposed model is being developed in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Law Ministry and will define the structure, powers and election process of Ladakh’s future administrative body.
The unrest in Leh on September 24 last year claimed four lives and left at least 50 people injured after protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule demands turned violent, prompting police firing, tear gas shelling and widespread arson.
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