Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 29: The judicial panel constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to probe the September 24 clashes in Leh is set to issue a formal notification inviting people across the Union Territory of Ladakh to share evidence and information related to the incident that left four people dead and over 90 injured.
After completing its preliminary exercise from October 25 to 28, the panel is preparing to launch the next phase of the inquiry. It will provide at least 30 days for citizens to submit statements, documents, or other forms of evidence pertaining to the violence.
“We met the members of the inquiry panel for an introduction. We will share evidence and other information related to the September 24 violence only after the panel issues a formal notification in the public domain,” said Leh Apex Body (LAB) co-chairman Chering Dorjey.
Dorjey said several social and religious organizations possess video footage and other credible evidence concerning the incident, which will be submitted once the panel formally invites public inputs. He expressed confidence that the probe, headed by former Supreme Court judge Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan, would be carried out in a transparent and impartial manner to restore public confidence.
Justice Chauhan, while interacting with media persons in Leh, assured that the public would be given adequate time to present their accounts. “Very soon, we will issue a notification to seek information and evidence from the people regarding the unfortunate incident,” he said. “At least 30 days’ time will be given to the people to come forward with evidence related to the violence.”
The inquiry, he added, would remain open and transparent. “After receiving evidence and information, the panel members will examine and verify all submissions in Leh from December 10 to ensure accountability throughout the process,” Justice Chauhan said.
In a major development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has inducted a Ladakhi officer into the judicial commission, ensuring local representation in the high-level inquiry.
Responding to persistent demands from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) for inclusion of a local member, the MHA has appointed Rigzin Spalgon, Additional Secretary in the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh, to assist Dr. Justice Chauhan as Joint Secretary in conducting the inquiry.
“The Department of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, has amended the composition of the judicial inquiry committee. As per the latest order dated October 28, Rigzin Spalgon has been included to assist Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge, Supreme Court) in the inquiry,” the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, said in a statement.
The amendment, issued by Prashant S. Lokhande, Joint Secretary to the Government of India, aims to strengthen coordination and administrative support from the Ladakh administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the proceedings.
The LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — the two groups spearheading the agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards — have welcomed the Centre’s decision, calling it a “positive step” toward a fair and transparent investigation.
A judicial probe into the September 24 clashes — which claimed four lives and left nearly 90 injured — was ordered by the Union Government on October 17, following sustained demands from Ladakhi groups. The announcement of the inquiry paved the way for the resumption of talks between the Union Government and Ladakh’s leadership, held on October 22 in New Delhi.
According to the MHA notification, the inquiry — led by Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan — will examine the circumstances that led to the law and order situation, the police response, and the resultant fatalities.
The MHA statement said: “On September 24, 2025, a serious law and order situation was created in Leh town, resulting in police action that led to the unfortunate death of four individuals. To ensure an impartial inquiry, the Ministry of Home Affairs has notified a judicial commission headed by Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident, the police action, and the resultant unfortunate deaths.” |
