As peaceful protests build up in Ladakh ahead of the first anniversary of the September 24 violence that left four civilians dead last year, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) announced the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals allegedly involved in last year’s protests over Statehood and Sixth Schedule demands. 

“In the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity, and social harmony in Ladakh, I have approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals, related to the unfortunate violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year,” said Mr. Saxena.

In the larger interest of peace, public tranquility, and social harmony in Ladakh, I have approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals, related to the unfortunate violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year.



Following a comprehensive review, the…

— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) September 23, 2026

The L-G said a comprehensive review of the cases was held. “The Ladakh police recommended a closure report for 20 individuals in FIR no. 144/2005, registered at PS – Leh, under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),” said Mr. Saxena. 

He termed the move as one that “ensures that these 20 individuals move forward positively with their lives and careers”. “By prioritizing justice and healing over protracted litigation, the decision aims at fostering a more peaceful, united, and harmonious society in Ladakh,” said Mr. Saxena, as he thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah “for his constant guidance and sympathetic approach in matters pertaining to the victims and their families”.

Meanwhile, peaceful ‘padyatras’ (foot marches) were held in Leh and Kargil. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a peaceful march in Leh to commemorate those who died in Leh last year. “Civilian volunteers fought for the nation and won huge areas in the 1971 war with Pakistan. People of Ladakh have always stood for the nation, and now it’s time the nation stands with Ladakh,” said Mr. Wangchuk, who is unhappy with the Centre’s inability to share the details of the roadmap for Ladakh to grant special status under special provisions of Article 371.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) will hold an all-faith prayer in memory of those people who died in the firing last year on September 24.

In Kargil, hundreds of supporters of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), a civil society body, held a peaceful street march, called ‘Ladakh Justice March’, on the anniversary.  

“Our protest is for democratic and constitutional rights. The Centre and the Union Territory (UT) administration is just offering promises. It’s sad that draconian laws are being imposed on issues like land. This protest is to seek justice for those who died last year, were injured and faced jail. We demand fair compensation to affected families and individuals and punishment against those who were involved in it,” said KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai. 

Praising the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the latest round of talks in May and September, Ladakh Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Haneefa said, “The Ladakh administration is sabotaging it by introducing land laws. There is also an attempt to divide and rule. Our movement will not be weakened,.”