The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered a judicial inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge into the September 24 police firing in Leh, which claimed four lives, including that of a retired Indian Army soldier.
According to an MHA notification shared on X by Sajjad Kargili, one of the leaders of the ongoing agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, Dr. Justice B.S. Chauhan, former judge of the Supreme Court, will head the probe. The inquiry will examine the circumstances that led to the serious law and order situation, the police action, and the deaths that followed.
The ministry reiterated the government’s willingness to hold talks with local representatives.
“The government has always been open for dialogue at any time. We would continue to welcome discussions with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the high-powered committee on Ladakh or any such platform,” the notification stated.
It further added, “We are confident that continuous dialogue will yield the desired results in the near future. The government stands committed to the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.”
Reacting to the announcement, Sajjad Kargili welcomed the judicial probe but urged the government to address other key demands.
“We welcome the step, but justice remains incomplete without the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and all detainees,” he wrote on X, also calling for compensation, medical aid for the victims, and the long-pending demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.