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

A view of the closed market area as part of ‘Martyrs’ Day’ to mark the first anniversary of deadly violence during massive protests against Ladakh’s constitutional demands in Leh on September 24, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

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

Ladakh-based socio-political-religious groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), called for a shutdown on the occasion, resulting in closure of shops and business establishments in both Leh and Kargil districts. Road traffic was also snarled as September 24 was declared “Martyrs’ Day”.

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

“Fight for Justice”

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was among those who addressed a rally at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium in Leh, where special prayers were offered for the civilians who died during the agitation. He recalled how civilians who raised peaceful demands were “subjected to indiscriminate fire, without any order to fire.” He added: “They were later labeled anti-national and subjected to further oppression. The bullets were not aimed at their legs, but at their chests, backs and heads… We will fight for justice for the victims.”

KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai, who urged democratic and constitutional guarantees for Ladakh at the same event, said that KDA and LAB would not accept any compromise on the blood of martyrs but instead would continue to fight for the rights of the people of Ladakh. “Yet those maimed as a result of the atrocities have not received any compensation,” he said.

Ladakh parliamentarian Haji Hanifa Jan also spoke, noting that “a judicial commission was set up after the murders, but no action has yet been taken against anyone.” Co-Chair of LAB Chering Dorjay Lakrook also spoke at the gathering.

Ladakh, which was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019, was on the brink of demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Plan. The Center and local groups have held several rounds of talks and are seeking special status under the provisions of Article 371 and an elected body for the UT.

Published – 24 Sep 2026 22:59 IST