Ladakh administration orders magisterial inquiry into Leh violence

The administration in Ladakh on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the deaths of four persons in police firing during protests in Leh on September 24.

In an order, the district magistrate in Leh appointed Nubra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mukul Beniwal as the inquiry officer to conduct the investigation, The New Indian Express reported.

The four persons – Jigmet Dorjey, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail and Tsewang Tharchin – were killed in police firing during protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Demonstrators clashed with and threw stones at the police, and set fire to the Bharatiya Janata Party office and a police vehicle.

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution guarantees protection for land and nominal autonomy for citizens in designated tribal-dominated areas. In Ladakh, more than 97% of the population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on September 26. The Union government has claimed that the violence was incited by “provocative statements” made by the activist.

Conduct of Magisterial Inquiry into the serious law and order situation created on 24/09/2025 in Leh and the resulting police action leading to death of 04 individuals. @diprleh @DIPR_Kargil @Info_Ladakh @ddnewsladakh @airnewskargil @Indus_Dispatch @prasarbharti @Greater_Ladakh pic.twitter.com/Va60aVFeLj— DIPR Ladakh (@DIPR_Ladakh) October 2, 2025

The magisterial inquiry will examine the facts and circumstances that led to the law and order breakdown, the subsequent police action and the deaths, The New Indian Express reported.

The inquiry...

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