A judicial commission investigating the alleged police firing on protesters in Leh last September has made significant progress, having now recorded the official accounts of key authorities involved. The probe, led by former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan, is examining the violent incident that resulted in four fatalities and injuries to nearly 90 individuals.
Official Statements Recorded in December
The commission's joint secretary, Rigzin Spalgon, confirmed that statements from magistrates and personnel of the CRPF and Ladakh Police were taken during proceedings held between December 17 and December 23. Spalgon stated that the panel has chosen not to reveal the specific stand or details provided by these officials at this stage of the inquiry.
Eyewitness Accounts and Political Submissions Next
The next phase of the investigation will focus on gathering testimonies from eyewitnesses to the event. Furthermore, the commission will announce dates for the appearance of individuals who have already submitted affidavits. Various political parties have already presented written statements to the panel.
Among them, the Congress party and the Leh-based Muslim organisation Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam have alleged that police opened fire on the protesters in a "reckless and disproportionate" manner without receiving orders from a magistrate. The Leh Apex Body (LAB), the region's major political and religious group that led the demonstrations, has also provided the commission with detailed accounts of the violence.
Background of the Protest and the Commission
The fatal confrontation occurred on September 24 during protests where demonstrators were demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Union Home Ministry announced the formation of the probe commission after the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) made it a precondition for resuming dialogue with the Central government on autonomy-related issues for the Union Territory.
In the aftermath of the violence, over 70 people were arrested. Notably, among those detained is climate activist and LAB member Sonam Wangchuk. The commission's findings are highly anticipated as they are expected to shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life and injuries.
