Ladakh administration orders SDM probe; Ladakh groups reiterate judicial inquiry

Srinagar: The Ladakh administration has announced a magisterial inquiry into the September 24 violence in which four people were killed and scores injured. This probe will be completed in four weeks.

The inquiry was ordered by the Leh deputy commissioner, who appointed sub divisional magistrate Nubra Mukul Beniwal as the inquiry officer. Beniwal, in a public notice, said the inquiry committee is charged with ascertaining the facts and circumstances that led to the law and order situation, police action and the death of four people.

Jigmet Dorjey of Kharnak, Rinchen Dadul of Hanu, Stanzin Namgail of Igoo and Tsewang Tharchin of Skurbuchan were killed in firing by armed forces. Beniwal urged the public to visit him from October 4 to 18 in Leh if they possess any information that may help him unravel the sequence of events that led to the violence. "All concerned are therefore requested to extend their cooperation to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry," the SDM said.

Meanwhile, life limped back to normal on Thursday in Leh as authorities relaxed curbs for the whole day allowing business and transport to function. However, internet remained suspended and educational institutions were closed.

On Thursday, Ladakh Buddhist Association, All Ladakh Gonpa Association and Kargil Bar Association held a joint prayer meeting and paid tributes to the four youths killed in the protests. They also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.

Representatives of Ladakh reiterated their demand for a judicial probe and said adequate compensation should be provided to the families of those killed and injured during the protests. They demanded the release of all the detainees. The authorities have released 26 youth from judicial custody, while 30 others are still in custody. They demanded the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk.

LBA chief Cheering Lakruk said the body's legal advisor, Haji Ghulam Mustafa, has been allowed to meet Wangchuk - lodged in a Rajasthan prison. Mustafa has left for New Delhi, from where he will proceed to Rajasthan. Wangchuk's 'family members have also been allowed to meet him'.