Leh, Ladakh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals who were among those booked following the violent statehood protests in Leh on 24 September 2025, officials said. The move follows a comprehensive review of investigations by the Ladakh Police and was recommended to the LG under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Scope of withdrawals and official rationale
According to a government spokesperson, the cases were withdrawn under section 360 of BNSS on the basis of the police recommendations after reviewing the status of investigations. Of 87 accused initially identified in rioting-related matters, 81 were arrested and criminal proceedings were started; the LG’s office approved closure for 20 of those persons.
The administration described the decision as being taken in the interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony in Ladakh. The LG’s office did not provide details on the status of proceedings against the remaining 61 accused.
Who are among the 20
The list of 20 includes four people who died in the violence and several others who had been formally charged in the FIR registered at the Leh police station (FIR No. 144/2005). The names cited by officials include:
- Mohammad Asif
- Shaziya Parveen
- Tsetan Norboo
- Stanzin Morup
- Sonam Zangpo
- Jigmet Thinley
- Shabir Hussain
- Sonam Togdan
- Urgain Namdol
- Tsering Gyalson
- Sonam Gurmet
- Zulfikar Ali
- Stanzin Chosphel
- Ishey Tsering
- Rigzin Nurbo
- Rinchen Namgyal
- and four deceased victims named as Jigmat Dorjay, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail and Tsewang Thirchin.
"In the larger interest of peace, public tranquility, and social harmony in Ladakh, I have approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals, related to the unfortunate violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year," the LG said in a post on X.
Background: the September 24 unrest and subsequent actions
On 24 September 2025, protests seeking statehood for Ladakh and safeguards under the Constitution's Sixth Schedule turned violent in Leh. Police fired to disperse crowds; four people lost their lives and nearly 90 were wounded in the clashes and police action, according to official accounts at the time. Curfew-like restrictions were imposed, mobile internet services were suspended and scores of people were detained.
Following the unrest, the Union Territory administration ordered a judicial enquiry into the incident. The Home Ministry announced the constitution of a judicial commission on 17 October 2025, and the commission began work on 27 October. Officials say the commission has not yet submitted its report.
Compensation and assurances
Earlier, the LG sanctioned ex-gratia payments for those affected by the violence. The administration approved ₹15 lakh compensation to the next of kin of each of the four persons who died. In addition, ₹3 lakh was sanctioned for those with major injuries and ₹1 lakh for minor injuries.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Next of kin of deceased (each) | ₹15 lakh |
| Major injuries (each) | ₹3 lakh |
| Minor injuries (each) | ₹1 lakh |
Reaction and remaining questions
Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance had earlier refused talks with the Union government until a judicial inquiry was announced. After the inquiry was set up, Central officials engaged with representatives of both groups, and Ladakh leaders say the Centre had assured withdrawal of cases against those arrested in September 2025 along with compensation for victims and injured persons.
The LG’s office characterised the withdrawal as a step towards reconciliation, but did not elaborate on why these 20 cases were singled out for closure or on the legal status of the other accused. The judicial commission’s findings — once submitted — are expected to clarify the sequence of events and provide a basis for any further action.
For now, the administration has acted on police recommendations to close proceedings in these specific matters, signalling a move aimed at easing tensions as the first anniversary of the unrest approaches.
