LEH, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 ; Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals booked in connection with the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24, 2025, citing the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony in Ladakh.
The decision followed a comprehensive review by Ladakh Police, which recommended closure reports in FIR No. 144/2005, registered at Leh Police Station. The proceedings have been withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
87 Accused Identified, 81 Arrested
The September 24, 2025 unrest in Leh followed protests over demands relating to statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. According to the administration, 87 people were identified as accused in cases relating to rioting, with 81 arrested and criminal proceedings initiated.
Following its review, Ladakh Police recommended withdrawal of proceedings against 20 individuals in the specified FIR. The proposal was subsequently approved by the Lieutenant Governor.
Saxena said the decision would allow the individuals concerned to move forward with their lives and careers, adding that prioritising justice and healing over prolonged litigation could contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Compensation for Victims
The announcement comes days after the Ladakh administration sanctioned ₹15 lakh each to the next of kin of the four people who died during the September 24 violence.
The administration also approved ₹3 lakh ex-gratia assistance for people who suffered major injuries and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries, according to the statement provided by the administration.
The September 2025 violence left four people dead and several others injured, following which the Union Territory administration ordered a judicial inquiry.
LG Thanks Amit Shah
Saxena also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, referring to his guidance and approach regarding matters concerning victims and their families.
The announcement came a day after representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) met officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Leh, and ahead of the first anniversary of the violence.
On September 23, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also led a symbolic padyatra in Leh to mark the first anniversary. September 24 is being observed by organisers as Shaheed Diwas.
20 Names in the Withdrawal Order
Reports carrying the administration’s list identify the 20 individuals as:
- Mohd Asif S/o Mohd Salim
- Shaziya Parveen D/o Ammanullah
- Tsetan Norboo S/o Nima Wangail
- Stanzin Morup S/o Tsewang Phunchok
- Sonam Zangpo S/o Gonbo Dorjey
- Jigmet Thinley S/o Sham Lal
- Shabir Hussain S/o Ahmad Shah
- Sonam Togdan S/o Tashi Norphel
- Urgain Namdol S/o Mepham Phuntsog
- Tsering Gyalson S/o Phunchok Wangyal
- Sonam Gurmet S/o Tashi Tsering
- Zulfikar Ali S/o Mohd Shafi
- Stanzin Chosphel S/o Tsering Stobdan
- Ishey Tsering S/o Tsewang Stanzin
- Rigzin Nurbo S/o Tundup Dorje
- Rinchen Namgyal S/o Dorjey Phunchok
- Jigmat Dorjay S/o Yountan Chosphel — Deceased
- Rinchen Dadul S/o Tsering Morup — Deceased
- Stanzin Namgail S/o Nawang Zotpa — Deceased
- Tsewang Thirchin S/o Stanzin Namgail — Deceased
The published list includes 20 names, including four identified as deceased.
Key Points
- 20: Criminal cases withdrawn
- 87: People identified as accused in rioting cases
- 81: Arrested
- FIR: No. 144/2005, Leh Police Station
- Legal provision: Section 360, BNSS 2023
- ₹15 lakh: Compensation to the next of kin of each of four deceased
- ₹3 lakh: Ex-gratia for major injuries
- ₹1 lakh: Ex-gratia for minor injuries
- Date of violence: September 24, 2025
- Decision announced: September 23, 2026
