Image for illustration purposes only. | Photo credit: ANI
Congress on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Judiciary Committee in the capacity of retired judge Dr. BS Chauhana, who is investigating protests and the death of four civilians in Ladakh in September, and alleged that “the Ladakh police opened fire on peaceful protesters without any order from the duty judge”.
“Without the use of tear gas and lathi charge as per established protocols, the Ladakh police directly resorted to firing bullets on the innocent crowd without any permission from the serving magistrate as expressly required by Section 149 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS),” said senior Congress leader Jo Nawang Rigzin.
The congressional memorandum claimed that eyewitnesses, including LAB members such as Tsering Dorjay Lakruk, “confirmed that no such order was issued, rendering the shooting illegal and a flagrant violation of due process.”
The memorandum said the protest was primarily aimed at protecting Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage, fragile ecology and economic interests. “However, the response of the UT administration and especially the Ladakh police was unprecedented and unacceptable in a democracy,” it said.
Congress sought “financial assistance and psychological support” to the victims’ families and told the Commission that “the wounds inflicted on 24 September run deep into the collective psyche of Ladakh and threaten its social fabric and the nation’s commitment to constitutional values”.
“We hope the Commission will deliver not only findings but also transformative justice and action against the officers responsible for the barbaric act of September 24, 2025,” he added.
Compounding this grave misery, she said, many innocent persons, including prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, “continue to be detained without substantial evidence against them, in clear violation of Article 22’s protection against arbitrary arrest and detention.”
Congress demanded “daily public hearings to bring the investigation to a close as soon as possible to pacify people’s sentiments.” “The Commission should direct the Union Territory Administration and in particular the Ladakh Police to produce all relevant documents, including intelligence reports and custody files, without delay and redaction,” it said.
The Congress demanded “the immediate release of all innocent detainees and recommended criminal proceedings against Ladakh policemen or officials responsible for the illegal firing”.
She also submitted to the Judiciary Commission that reforms such as mandatory body cameras for police, restrictions on the use of the National Security Act and strengthened local governance under the constitution will be implemented to safeguard against future incidents.
A judicial commission was set up by the home ministry in October this year to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence and death of four civilians during street protests on September 24 in Ladakh’s Leh district.
Published – 26 Nov 2025 21:12 IST
