The judicial commission investigating the September 24 police firing in Ladakh is set to begin recording oral testimonies today. The incident, which occurred during protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the region, resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to 90 others.
Headed by former Supreme Court judge B. S. Chauhan, the commission has stated that officers assigned duties on the day of the incident will be called to appear and record their statements. Individuals who have already submitted written statements have also been requested to present themselves to provide oral testimony in person. The commission aims to establish a clear and factual understanding of the events, ensuring transparency, accountability, and due process.
Several political parties have already submitted written statements to the commission. The Congress party and Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam, a Leh-based Muslim organization, have described the firing as a "reckless and disproportionate use of lethal force" without orders from a magistrate. The Leh Apex Body (LAB), the region's largest political and religious group that spearheaded the protests, has also provided the panel with detailed accounts of the incident.
The formation of a judicial commission was a key precondition set by LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for resuming dialogue with the central government. Following the September 24 violence, over 70 people were arrested, including climate activist and LAB member Sonam Wangchuk. The region also experienced a clampdown that included curfew-like restrictions and an internet shutdown.
After the probe commission was announced, the central government resumed talks with LAB and KDA on October 22 in New Delhi. These talks were initially held with a committee headed by a junior Union home minister.
Earlier, on October 1, the Ladakh administration had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the events of September 24. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nubra, Mukul Beniwal, was appointed to lead the inquiry, and the public was invited to submit documents or videos related to the incident. However, this inquiry was rejected by LAB and KDA, who demanded a judicial inquiry instead.
In November, the judicial commission expressed concerns about the lack of public response and urged people to come forward and share information. Tushar Anand, the administrative secretary of the inquiry commission, emphasized that a greater number of people submitting evidence would lead to a more impartial investigation and help ensure justice. He also addressed reports that some individuals were allegedly forced by security forces to delete videos and were now afraid to share evidence, assuring them that even if videos had been deleted, they could still submit written statements explaining the circumstances.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated the judicial probe to investigate the circumstances leading to the law and order situation, the police action, and the deaths of Jigmet Dorjey, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail, and Tsewang Tharchin. Retired district and sessions judge Mohan Singh Parihar will serve as the Judicial Secretary, while IAS officer Tushar Anand will serve as the Administrative Secretary of the inquiry commission.
