Full Breakdown
Ladakh Administration Approves Compensation for September 24 Protest Victims
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Core Event
The Ladakh administration announced an ex-gratia package for families of the four protesters killed and for those injured in the September 24 protest in Leh. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena sanctioned INR15 lakh for each next-of-kin of the deceased, INR3 lakh for each person with major injuries and INR1 lakh for each person with minor injuries, totaling INR1.52 crore.
Background & Context
The September 24 protest, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), demanded statehood for Ladakh and Sixth-Schedule safeguards. The demonstration turned violent when some protesters attacked police vehicles, prompting security forces to open fire. Four civilians died and dozens were wounded; curfew-like restrictions, mobile-internet suspension and the arrest of more than 80 individuals followed, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was later detained under the National Security Act.
Ladakh’s leadership is negotiating a “sui generis” governance model. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the Union Territory will not receive full statehood nor a legislature, but a unique body with legislative, executive and financial powers to be crafted under Article 371(K). Talks involve the LAB, KDA and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Data & Statistics
| Category | Amount | Number of Persons |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation for deceased (next-of-kin) | INR15 lakh each | 4 |
| Ex-gratia for major injuries | INR3 lakh each | 24 |
| Ex-gratia for minor injuries | INR1 lakh each | 20 |
| Total financial commitment | INR1.52 crore | — |
| Fatalities (September 24 protest) | — | 4 |
| Injured (major + minor) | — | 43 (24 major, 19 minor) |
Official Statements & Responses
An official spokesperson noted that Ladakh previously lacked a general compensation policy for public unrest, prompting the administration to extend humanitarian assistance as a measure of solidarity.
Chief Secretary Kundra, in a statement dated September 10, 2026, clarified that the proposed body will not be a state or a Union Territory with a legislature, but a unique structure with legislative, executive and financial powers. He said the nomenclature remains undecided and that further discussions are slated for October.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was thanked by Saxena for his “sensitive, humanitarian and guiding approach” and for standing in solidarity with the victims and their families.
Criticism & Opposition
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, representing the LAB and KDA, warned that protests could resume if constitutional safeguards are not provided within a week.
Leh Apex Body co-chairperson Chering Dorjuk Lakruk expressed frustration over the lack of an advance agenda for discussions, noting that legal questions about the name of the elected body and the title of its chief could not be answered on the spot.
Verbatim Quote
- “In our continued commitment to support the families affected by the tragic violence in Ladakh on 24 September last year, today sanctioned a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of each of the four deceased. An ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh for those with major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries has also been approved.” — Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena
What’s Next
The Ministry of Home Affairs sub-committee is scheduled to reconvene in October to present a draft proposal under Article 371(K). Both the LAB and KDA have indicated they will consider further action if a concrete proposal is not delivered promptly.