Aftermath of the September 24 violence in Leh, Ladakh.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Expressing concern over the “tardy pace” in talks between Delhi and Ladakh, Ladakh’s civil society group, Leh Apex Body (LAB), on Thursday (August 6, 2026) demanded withdrawal of cases against youths and compensation to the victim families of the September 24 violence, which left four locals dead.
“Around 70 to 80 youths faced cases in September 2025. These cases should be withdrawn immediately. These youth are not able to participate in the recruitment rallies because of the pending character certificates. Besides, the families who lost kin and those who committed suicide and suffered crippling injuries should also be compensated on the lines of those who were injured in and after the Jantar Mantar protest of July 20,” said LAB president Chering Dorjay Lakrook.
Drawing parallels between the police action against protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20 and September 24 violence in Leh, Mr. Lakrook said, “When our Genz agitated last year in September, the police atrocities in comparison to the Delhi incident were much disproportionate. Unarmed and innocent people were killed by opening fire from AK 47 without a magisterial order and no lathi charge. Over 70 locals suffered bullet injuries,” said Mr. Lakrook, who extended support to youth protesters of the country galvanised by the Cockroach Party of India (CPI).
He said the public reaction to the Leh incident in the country could not evoke the same reaction as to the Delhi incident in spite of “Ladakhis being patriots of the country and fighting the enemies on the borders”.
Mr. Lakrook also expressed concern over the slow pace of Delhi-Ladakh talks. “The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been fighting for four-point demands. Some progress was made, but the pace of dialogue is very slow. I hope the current situation in the country will not cast shadow over the importance of resolving the issues of Ladakh,” said Mr. Lakrook
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk said the withdrawal of cases against the youth should be carried out within one month. “Otherwise, we will have to agitate again, which we don’t want,” said Mr. Wangchuk.
Published – August 07, 2026 07:30 am IST
