SRINAGAR: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals in connection with the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year.
The cases have been withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a recommendation by the Ladakh Police after reviewing the status of investigations, the administration said on Tuesday.
Leh witnessed severe unrest on September 24 last year, following which police registered multiple cases related to rioting and arson. According to the administration, 87 people were identified as accused in the rioting cases, of whom 81 were arrested and criminal proceedings initiated.
Following a review of the cases, the Ladakh Police recommended withdrawal of criminal charges against 20 accused in FIR No. 144/2005 registered at Leh police station. The proposal was subsequently submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, who approved it in the “larger interest of peace and public tranquility”.
Saxena said the decision would allow the 20 individuals to move forward with their lives and careers.
“By prioritising justice and healing over protracted litigation, the decision aims at fostering a more peaceful, united, and harmonious society in Ladakh,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his “constant guidance and sympathetic approach” towards the victims and their families.
The decision comes days after Saxena on September 13 sanctioned compensation of Rs 15 lakh each to the next of kin of the four people who died in the September 24 violence.
He had also approved ex-gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh for those who suffered major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
The administration said the measures were aimed at extending support to the victims and their families as they cope with the aftermath of the violence.
The 20 individuals named in the order are Mohd Asif, Shaziya Parveen, Tsetan Norboo, Stanzin Morup, Sonam Zangpo, Jigmet Thinley, Shabir Hussain, Sonam Togdan, Urgain Namdol, Tsering Gyalson, Sonam Gurmet, Zulfikar Ali, Stanzin Chosphel, Ishey Tsering, Rigzin Nurbo, Rinchen Namgyal, Jigmat Dorjay, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail and Tsewang Thirchin.
The administration’s list identifies Jigmat Dorjay, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail and Tsewang Thirchin as deceased.
