“LADAKH STALEMATE: Protesters Walk Out Over Firing Inquiry

After the September 24 clash in Leh that left four dead and dozens injured, Ladakh groups walked out of talks, rejecting the magisterial inquiry. They demand an impartial judicial probe, release of detainees, and justice.

Ladakh Stalemate: Protesters Walk Out Over Firing Inquiry, Demand Judicial Probe

What Happened

• On September 24, 2025, violent protests erupted in Leh, Ladakh, during a shutdown organized by local groups demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The shutdown had been preceded by a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other local bodies.
• The protests turned violent: protesters torched a BJP office, set fire to police vehicles, and clashed with security forces. Authorities used tear gas, baton charges — and police fired at protesters. Four protesters were killed, dozens wounded (including police and paramilitary personnel).Today+2The New Indian Express+2

The Magisterial Inquiry & Why Protesters Rejected It

• In response, Ladakh’s administration ordered a magisterial inquiry, appointing the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate (Nubra) Mukul Beniwal as the Inquiry Officer. The inquiry is scheduled to be completed within four weeks, and both oral and written submissions are being invited from the public.
• However, protesters (led by Leh Apex Body, Kargil Democratic Alliance, Ladakh Buddhist Association) rejected the magisterial probe. They argue it is insufficient, lacks independence, and may not be able to fairly find out who fired, when, and how. They demand a judicial inquiry led by a retired Supreme Court judge, free from influence of the UT administration.

What Protesters Walked Out Of

• Talks scheduled for October 6, 2025 between Ladakh leaders and the Union government were boycotted by LAB and KDA because conditions were not met: they insisted that a judicial inquiry be ordered first, all detainees be released, and Sonam Wangchuk be freed.
• The walk‑out underscores a breakdown in trust: protesters believe that without a credible, independent inquiry, any dialogue is only symbolic.

Key Figures & Demands

• Dignitaries / Groups:
  • Sonam Wangchuk — well‑known for activism, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) after the violence. Activists demand his release.
  • Leh Apex Body (LAB), Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) — major local bodies leading demands.
• Victims: Four people died: Jigmet Dorjey (Khamak), Rinchen Dadul (Hanu), Stanzin Namgail (Igoo), and Tsewang Tharchin (Skurbuchan). Many others injured.
• Main demands:
  1. A judicial probe (impartial, by retired Supreme Court judge) instead of a magisterial inquiry.
  2. Release of all detained protesters and activist Sonam Wangchuk.
  3. Adequate compensation to the families of the deceased and those badly injured.

Administrative / Government & Other Reactions

• Lt Governor’s administration ordered the magisterial inquiry and has defended the use of force, alleging that the security forces responded to violent acts including arson and attacks on offices/vehicles.
• DGP of Ladakh, S.D. Singh Jamwal, said police firing was due to self‑defence, arguing that there was a risk of greater damage if forces had not acted.
• Political Leaders:
  • Some leaders, even from BJP, have expressed that the shooting of unarmed protesters has damaged public trust. Eg: former Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal.
  • MPs (e.g. Mohmad Haneefa) and civil bodies are pushing for judicial inquiry too, citing disproportionate use of force.

The Stakes — Why This Matters

• Credibility & Trust: Without a credible inquiry, people feel justice isn’t possible and governance legitimacy erodes.
• Safety of Protest and Freedom of Speech: When peaceful hunger strikes or similar activism are met with lethal force, future protests may be discouraged or suppressed. There is also fear of misuse of stringent laws (like NSA).
• Constitutional & Legal Safeguards: Demands for Sixth Schedule status reflect fear that tribal rights, land rights, environmental protections may be ignored under general UT rule.
• Dialogue vs Conflict: Walk‑outs signal that protesters will not engage unless their conditions are met. This could lead to further escalation if no action is taken.

What to Watch Next

• Will the government agree to a judicial inquiry? Or will they stick with the magisterial inquiry?
• Whether Sonam Wangchuk and others detained are released or not.
• The outcome of the inquiry: whether it is perceived as independent/trustworthy.
• Compensation decisions for families of deceased and injured protesters.
• How curfew / communication restrictions (internet etc.) evolve — whether they are lifted fully or continue.
• Impact on upcoming negotiations between Ladakh’s bodies and the Centre scheduled around early October.

As of early October 2025, the Ladakh stalemate has intensified with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) withdrawing from scheduled talks with the central government. This came after the September 24 firing that killed four protestors, including a Kargil war veteran. In response, the Ladakh administration ordered a magisterial inquiry, which protesters deemed inadequate. 

Inquiry into the fatal firing

• Magisterial probe ordered: On October 2, the Ladakh administration ordered a magisterial inquiry, to be completed within four weeks, to investigate the events of the September 24 protest and subsequent police action. The public has been invited to provide evidence to the inquiry officer between October 4 and 18.
• Judicial inquiry demanded: The LAB and KDA have rejected the magisterial inquiry and are demanding a judicial investigation led by a retired Supreme Court judge. The protesters argue that the magisterial inquiry lacks independence.
• Differing accounts: The administration claims that security forces opened fire in self-defense against stone-pelting and arson. The protesters accuse the police of brutality and allege the firing was unprovoked. 

Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest

• Detained under NSA: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who spearheaded the hunger strike leading up to the protest, was arrested on September 26 under the National Security Act and transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• Administration’s justification: The administration cited allegations of Wangchuk’s incitement and claimed he had made provocative statements, including references to the “Arab Spring,” to justify the arrest. It also accused his institute, HIAL, of financial irregularities and foreign funding violations.
• Protests and solidarity: Various civil society groups and political leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, have condemned the arrest and demanded Wangchuk’s immediate release. On October 2, Wangchuk’s wife wrote to the President of India appealing for his unconditional release. 

Political implications and future of talks

• Negotiations on hold: The LAB and KDA have made the judicial inquiry and the release of all detained protesters preconditions for resuming talks with the central government.
• Centre’s position: The Ministry of Home Affairs maintains that it is open to dialogue, but the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor has said a judicial inquiry and Wangchuk’s release are matters for the central government.
• Continued agitation: Despite the curfew, protests for Wangchuk’s release and statehood have continued elsewhere, organized by groups expressing solidarity. The future of talks remains uncertain as the central government and protester representatives remain at odds.

Tensions remain high in Ladakh after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) withdrew from talks with the central government, following a violent protest that led to four deaths. The protesters are demanding a judicial inquiry into the September 24 firing incident, which they deem more independent than the ongoing magisterial probe. 

Recent developments

• Curfew and protests: Following the violence and imposition of a curfew, life is gradually returning to normal in Leh, with markets reopening and restrictions being eased. Internet services remain suspended, and smaller solidarity protests continue in other parts of the country.
• Magisterial inquiry: The Ladakh administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the September 24 incident, inviting public input between October 4 and 18. The report is expected within four weeks.
• Wangchuk’s arrest: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on September 26 under the National Security Act and is being held in Jodhpur.
  • The Ladakh administration justified the arrest by citing alleged financial irregularities at Wangchuk’s institute (HIAL) and accusing him of inciting violence.
  • Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, and various political groups have denounced the arrest, alleging a “witch-hunt”.
• Failed negotiations: The LAB and KDA suspended negotiations with the Ministry of Home Affairs, which were scheduled for October 6. Key demands for resuming talks include a judicial inquiry and the release of all arrested individuals, including Wangchuk.
• LG’s stance: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has urged the groups to return to the negotiating table but has defended the magisterial inquiry, stating that a judicial probe is a matter for the central government. 

Political demands and context

• The primary political demands of the LAB and KDA are statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• The protesters argue that the removal of Ladakh’s special status in 2019, when it was made a Union Territory without a legislature, eroded democratic rights and protections for the region’s tribal majority.
• The Sixth Schedule, which protects tribal land and culture in parts of northeast India, is seen as crucial for safeguarding Ladakh’s identity.