The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Saturday (October 18, 2025) welcomed the Centre’s decision to conduct a judicial inquiry into the violent clashes that broke out in Leh district of the Union Territory of Ladakh last month. Along with this, LAB demanded to include a representative from Ladakh in the commission formed for investigation.
The group criticized the Lieutenant Governor-led administration for foiling the silent march during the day on Saturday (October 18) and said, ‘Such actions can never prove fruitful or persuade us to resume talks with the Centre.’
The Center on Friday (October 17, 2025) had announced a judicial inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge into the violent clashes in Leh on September 24, 2025, and this was a step towards fulfilling a key demand of the protesting groups of Ladakh. Four people, including a veteran soldier who had taken part in the 1999 Kargil war, lost their lives in the violent clash in Leh.
Union Home Ministry issued notification
According to the notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, retired Supreme Court judge B. S. The inquiry commission, headed by Chauhan, is to investigate the circumstances leading to the deterioration in the law and order situation, police action and the resulting unfortunate death of four people. Retired District and Sessions Judge Mohan Singh Parihar will serve as the judicial secretary in the inquiry committee, while IAS officer Tushar Anand will be the administrative secretary of the inquiry commission.
LAB co-chairman put forth the demand
LAB co-chairman and head of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Charing Dorje Lakruk, told reporters in Leh, ‘We welcome the Home Ministry’s notification for a judicial inquiry. But we found some shortcomings like the reference to FIR No. 144. It seems that the investigation is against our soldiers and secondly, none of the three are from Ladakh. Lakaruk said, ‘We want this investigation to be completely transparent and no attempt should be made to hide anything in it. We want that someone from Ladakh should also be made a part of this commission.
He said that the restrictions imposed on people to thwart the silent march are a very sad thing for all of us and we consider such measures undemocratic and illegal.
Blackout seen in most parts of Ladakh
Meanwhile, a blackout was observed in Ladakh from 6 pm onwards and most of the residents switched off the lights of their houses in response to the call given by LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) as part of their protest program today Saturday (October 18, 2025) evening.
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