The Leh Bar Association has amplified the call for justice and redressal for the victims of the recent unrest in Ladakh, specifically demanding a compensation of Rs 1 crore for each of the families of those killed in the September 24 firing. In addition to the demand for financial relief, the association is pressing for an impartial judicial inquiry into the tragic incident, to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.
Mohammad Shafi Lassu, the president of the Leh Bar Association, addressed the press in Leh, emphasizing the underprivileged backgrounds of the deceased, three of whom were young, and one an ex-serviceman who served in the Kargil War of 1999. Lassu stressed the need for adequate compensation from the government, considering the victims' socio-economic status. He also highlighted the unprecedented nature of the incident in Ladakh's history. The Bar is seeking interim cash compensation and a government job for a family member of each victim.
The Leh Bar Association has voiced its support for the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance's (KDA) demand for a Supreme Court judge-led probe into the matter, viewing it as a crucial step towards restoring faith in the government and providing a "healing touch".
The September 24 incident occurred during protests demanding constitutional safeguards and statehood for Ladakh. These demonstrations were triggered by a prolonged hunger strike led by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, advocating for Sixth Schedule status and protections for Ladakh's land, jobs, and culture. As the protests intensified, clashes erupted between protestors and law enforcement, resulting in property damage and, ultimately, the fatal shooting of four civilians.
The Bar Association Kargil has also condemned the killings, suspending judicial work from October 1 to 6 as a mark of respect and protest. They further stated they would provide free legal assistance to any victim of the incident in Leh.
Following the September 24 incident, authorities imposed curfew restrictions and suspended mobile internet services in parts of Leh. A magisterial inquiry, led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, was announced, with a report expected within four weeks, though this has been rejected by groups such as the LAB and KDA who are demanding a High Court monitored judicial inquiry.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) co-chairman Chering Dorjay has refuted claims of foreign involvement in the violence, stating that the unrest was caused by young people who were "out of control". Dorjay has criticized the police and CRPF personnel for allegedly firing indiscriminately on protestors without attempting alternative methods of crowd control.
