Full Breakdown
One Year After Leh Violence: Sonam Wangchuk’s Calls for Accountability and the Government’s Response
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The September 24, 2025 Incident
On September 24, 2025 security forces opened fire on a protest in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. Four civilians were killed and 44 injured. Protesters say the firing was indiscriminate, using AK-47s, and that no firing order was issued. The incident is commemorated as “Shaheed Diwas” each year.
Background & Context
The agitation followed assurances given by the Union government before the 2020 LAHDC-Leh elections that Ladakh would receive statehood and Sixth Schedule protection. Those promises were later withdrawn, prompting the 2025 protests. Activists continue to demand a “people’s tribunal” to examine the killings while a judicial inquiry remains pending.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 4 civilians.
- Injuries: 44 (including several serious).
- Arrests: sources differ, citing 81 or 87 individuals.
- Case withdrawals: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena withdrew 20 of the cases; an earlier decision on August 21 withdrew cases against 25 individuals.
- Compensation (announced September 13): INR15 lakh per deceased family, INR3 lakh for major injuries, INR1 lakh for minor injuries (total INR1.52 crore).
- Anniversary prayer meeting attendance: police recorded fewer than 800 participants; activists allege security restrictions limited turnout.
Official Statements & Responses
- “While no compensation amount can replace a life lost or erase the pain endured, the Ladakh Administration firmly stands beside every affected family.” – Ladakh Administration.
- Police described barricades as routine traffic- and crowd-management measures and said the prayer meeting had permission for up to 10,000 people.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know after speaking today, they (government) will suppress me, they have done it before. I was sent to jail. Now, only an encounter is left. It's my wish that they kill me in an encounter. Experts tell me your encounter will happen. Let it happen so that the nation awakens,” — Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist
- “Delhi is directly responsible for the situation in Ladakh. They promised the 6th Schedule and even statehood to our leadership. But then, Amit Shah categorically refused to grant the 6th Schedule to Ladakh,” — Sonam Wangchuk
- “Four people were killed in the firing that day. The bullets were not aimed at their legs so that they could escape; they struck their chests, backs and heads. These were not pellets from a pellet gun meant merely to injure people,” — Sonam Wangchuk
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest figures differ: 81 vs. 87.
- Attendance numbers are contested; police report <800, activists claim security limited turnout.
- The judicial inquiry report remains unpublished, fueling calls for a “people’s tribunal” if findings are not released.
What’s Next
The Centre has proposed a constitutional provision under Article 371(K) to extend additional protections to Ladakh, and discussions continue over a special constitutional framework. A follow-up meeting between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs is scheduled for October. The withdrawal of cases against 20 individuals marks a partial resolution, but activists maintain that full disclosure of the inquiry and further compensation are essential for lasting peace.