LEH, SEPT 24: Markets fell silent and traffic remained thin in Leh on Thursday as the region observed the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 violence, which left four people dead and several injured during protests seeking statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Shops and business establishments remained closed, while several groups observed the day as “Shaheed Diwas”, organising tribute and remembrance programmes for those who lost their lives.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a symbolic padyatra in Leh, with participants covering around 20 kilometres before reaching Shaheed Memorial Park, where prayers and tributes were offered. The proposed march from September 19 to 24 was curtailed due to changing weather conditions.
Wangchuk demanded the early submission and public release of the judicial inquiry report, seeking clarity over the circumstances that led to the violence and subsequent police firing.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with the September 24 violence.
The protests on September 24, 2025 had turned violent amid demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. A judicial inquiry was subsequently ordered into the incident.
A year later, Leh’s streets once again echoed the memory of September 24, with tributes for those who died and renewed calls for the inquiry findings to be made public.
