The Congress on Friday demanded a judicial probe into the killing of four youths during the violent protests that rocked Ladakh earlier this week.The four were shot dead by police on Wednesday as authorities attempted to quell violent demonstrations in Ladakh for statehood.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said:“My colleague Nawang Rigzin Jora has written to the Lt Governor of Ladakh UT demanding a judicial enquiry into the killings of four young men in the protests on September 24th.”In a letter addressed to Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, he said, "I am approaching you with a heavy heart and deep sorrow to demand a judicial enquiry into the unfortunate incident on September 24, leading to the death of four young men and injuries to others in police firing".
"While we condemn the violence resorted to by the protesters, we also condemn the harsh and repressive measures, including firing on the protesters, that were carried out. We strongly feel that the situation could have been handled with a little more restraint, patience and maturity," Jora said in the letter.Congress leaders said only a judicial probe can ensure transparency and accountability in the killings, stressing that the youth of Ladakh deserve justice.
The call for a judicial probe comes at a time when Ladakh is witnessing heightened unrest following massive demonstrations demanding statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and greater political representation.Protests for statehood turned violent in Leh town on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and 90 others injured.At least 50 people have been arrested in relation to the violence that erupted during the shutdown on Wednesday, which was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to demand independence for Ladakh and an extension of the Sixth Schedule.
The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA license and the ongoing CBI inquiry add another layer of tension to an already volatile situation in the region, intertwining questions of governance, civil rights, and local aspirations. On September 24, protests in Leh turned violent after a shutdown call by local groups. The clashes led to the death of four youths and left nearly 90 others injured, prompting authorities to impose curfew in the town and deploy additional security forces.
With the detention of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk and the cancellation of his NGO’s FCRA licence, political and civil society groups have accused the administration of using “repressive measures” rather than engaging with Ladakh’s genuine concerns.
Follow us
