Shutdown, special prayers mark first death anniversary of Ladakh violence victims

Special prayers were held, and a shutdown was observed in parts of Ladakh on Thursday (September 24, 2026) to mark the first death anniversary of four civilians who were killed in the firing by security forces on September 24 last year, during an agitation for Ladakh Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.  

Ladakh-based socio-politico-religious groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), had called for a shutdown on the occasion, resulting in the closure of shops and business establishments in both Leh and Kargil districts. Traffic was also skeletal on the roads as September 24 was declared ‘Martyrs Day’.

The Stupa of Compassion was inaugurated in memory of Stanzin Namgyal of Igoo in Ladakh. Local residents said the stupa would stand as “a symbol of compassion, peace and remembrance”. 

‘Fight for justice’

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was among those who addressed a gathering at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan stadium in Leh, where special prayers were held for civilians who died during the agitation. He recalled how civilians making peaceful demands were “subjected to indiscriminate firing, without any firing order”. He added: “Later, they were branded as anti-national and subjected to further oppression. The bullets were not aimed at their legs but chests, backs and heads… We will fight for justice for the victims.”

Pressing for democratic and constitutional guarantees for Ladakh at the same event, KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said the KDA and LAB would not accept any compromise over the blood of martyrs, but would instead keep fighting for the rights of the people of Ladakh. “Still, those crippled due to atrocities have not received any compensation,” he said.

Ladakh Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan also spoke, noting that “a judicial commission was set up after the killings, but no action followed against anyone so far.” LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook also addressed the gathering.

Ladakh, which was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019, has been on the edge over the demands for Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The Centre and local groups have held several rounds of talks and are working towards a special status under the provisions of Article 371, and an elected body for the UT.