Leh Apex Body (LAB), a prominent political and religious group in the region, is urging the judicial probe commission investigating the September 24 firing incident to obtain medical reports of all those injured during the protests. The incident, which involved police firing on protesters demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, resulted in four deaths and over 80 injuries.
The LAB has already submitted detailed accounts to the panel, headed by retired Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan, but has requested additional time to present further evidence. The deadline for submissions has been extended to December 8.
According to reports, Congress and Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam have also submitted claims to the commission, alleging that the Leh police used "excessive lethal force" without orders from a magistrate, violating constitutional rights and standard police protocols. Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam, a Leh-based Muslim organization, stated that the police engaged in "reckless and disproportionate use of lethal force". They claim police directly targeted the crowd with live ammunition, with many victims hit in the head and chest, a clear breach of protocol.
The LAB has been firm in its demand for a high-level judicial inquiry to determine responsibility for the civilian deaths. LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey dismissed the earlier inquiry led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Nubra, stating that only a judicial probe can reveal who ordered the firing on civilians without warning.
Following the September 24 incident, the LAB announced a boycott of scheduled talks with the central government, demanding an impartial judicial probe into the firing and an apology for labeling Ladakhis as anti-nationals. A key demand has also been the unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, who is among those arrested in connection with the violence. Wangchuk has been booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
The Union Territory administration maintains that security forces opened fire in self-defense after protesters turned violent, pelting stones and setting a CRPF vehicle on fire. They also allege that the mob torched the local BJP office and the office of the LAB, and damaged the vehicle of the Director General of Police. The Ministry of Home Affairs has accused Sonam Wangchuk of inciting the violence.
However, the LAB has refuted claims of foreign involvement or external instigation in the protests. LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay asserted that the police and CRPF personnel fired indiscriminately on protesters without using non-lethal measures. He also stated that protesters removed party flags but protected the national flag and images of revered figures before setting the BJP office on fire.
The situation remains tense, with the LAB vowing to intensify its agitation if its demands are not met. The call for medical reports underscores the LAB's commitment to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the events of September 24 and seeking justice for the injured.
