Leh Police Facing Scrutiny Over Protest Response
Leh police are under investigation for their controversial actions during protests on September 24, where they opened fire on demonstrators demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the region. The judicial probe commission, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice BS Chauhan, has heard serious allegations from Congress and the Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam organization regarding what they describe as reckless and disproportionate use of lethal force without proper authorization from a magistrate.
Political Parties Allege Constitutional Violations
In a strongly worded submission to the commission, the Congress party has characterized the police action as a direct assault on the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Former minister Nawang Rigzin Jora, representing Congress, emphasized that the firing occurred on peaceful protesters without any order from an on-duty magistrate, raising serious questions about procedural compliance.
The party's representation goes further to highlight what it calls clear violations of Article 22, which protects against arbitrary arrest and detention. Congress pointed specifically to the continued detention of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and over 70 others under the stringent National Security Act, claiming they are being held without substantial evidence.
Sequence of Events and Escalation
According to Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam, a Leh-based Muslim organization, the violence began when police unexpectedly fired tear gas shells into the crowd without sufficient provocation, creating panic and chaos. The organization claims this unprovoked action prompted some agitated youths to retaliate with stone-pelting, after which police escalated their response by resorting to direct firing using live ammunition.
The Anjuman submission alleges that police targeted the crowd in clear violation of established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures, with many victims being hit in the head and chest areas. The incident resulted in four protesters losing their lives and more than 80 individuals sustaining injuries.
Extended Deadline and Ongoing Investigations
The Leh Apex Body (LAB), the region's largest political and religious group that spearheaded the protests, has provided detailed accounts to the commission but requested additional time to present further evidence. In response to this request, the judicial panel extended its submission deadline to December 8, providing more time for comprehensive evidence collection.
The Union Home Ministry established the commission following demands from both LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), another key Ladakh organization. Both groups had made the formation of an independent probe panel a precondition for resuming dialogues with the Central government regarding autonomy concerns.
Congress described the September 24 incident as not merely an isolated error but a symptom of grave mis-governance and total failure of law enforcement, particularly concerning given Ladakh's historically peaceful nature. The party emphasized that demands for Sixth Schedule status and statehood stem from genuine concerns about cultural preservation, environmental protection, and equitable development in the region.
In their concluding remarks to the commission, Congress expressed hope that the investigation would deliver not just findings but transformative justice and appropriate action against what they termed a barbaric act that has deeply wounded Ladakh's social fabric and the nation's commitment to constitutional values.
