LEH, SEPT 23: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday led a symbolic padyatra in Leh ahead of the first anniversary of the violence that erupted in the city on September 24, 2025, during protests seeking statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. Four people were killed in the incident.
The march, organised ahead of Thursday’s Shaheed Diwas, was joined by representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
However, changing weather conditions forced organisers to shorten the route. Activists were expected to reach the Shaheed Memorial Park in Leh at around 7 pm.
The programme witnessed limited participation from local residents.
Organisers said they had deliberately avoided a large-scale mobilisation outside Ladakh, as sections of the local community wanted residents of the region to lead the commemorative events.
The September 24, 2025 incident followed months of agitation over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, with protesters also raising concerns related to land, employment, political representation, culture and environmental protection.
The situation turned violent in Leh on September 24 last year, with clashes, arson and damage to public and political property reported amid the protests.
Security forces used tear gas and other measures to control the situation, and four people died while several others, including security personnel, were injured.
The Centre subsequently ordered a judicial inquiry headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan to examine the circumstances leading to the violence, including the police action and the deaths. The inquiry was formally initiated in October 2025.
There have been differing accounts of the events.
The Union government said the escalation followed provocative statements and attacks on security personnel, while protest leaders and other accounts raised questions over the handling of the demonstrations.
The judicial inquiry was tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The first anniversary is being marked amid fresh administrative developments.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with the violence, following recommendations for closure of the cases.
The decision was described as being in the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony.
The administration had also announced compensation for the families of the four deceased and for those injured during the violence.
Wangchuk’s padyatra and Thursday’s Shaheed Diwas programme are expected to keep attention focused on the unresolved demands for greater political safeguards, statehood and protection of Ladakh’s land, culture, employment interests and fragile environment.
