Centre orders judicial inquiry into Leh violence led by former Supreme Court judge

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered a judicial probe into the September 24 violence in Leh, appointing retired Supreme Court judge Dr Justice B. S. Chauhan to lead the investigation. The inquiry will examine the circumstances that led to the law and order breakdown, the police response, and the deaths of four individuals during the unrest.

According to an official statement, the incident erupted in Leh town when protests over Ladakh’s demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule escalated into violent clashes. Police action to control the situation left four people dead and around 90 others injured.

To ensure transparency, the MHA said the probe by Justice Chauhan would be “impartial and comprehensive”, covering both the causes and consequences of the violence. The government reaffirmed that it remains open to discussions with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the High-Powered Committee on Ladakh or other dialogue mechanisms.

“We are confident that sustained dialogue will yield constructive outcomes. The government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of Ladakh,” the statement read.

The violence also led to the arrest of renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly instigating the protests. He was later shifted to Jodhpur jail, intensifying debates over Ladakh’s political future and autonomy demands.