Srinagar, Oct 2: The Ladakh administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the killing of four civilians during protests in Leh on September 24, when demonstrators were demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The inquiry, aimed at establishing the sequence of events that triggered the law and order crisis, police action, and resultant fatalities, will be conducted by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nubra, Mukul Beniwal. He has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within four weeks.
The order to initiate the probe was issued by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Leh on September 26, two days after the incident sparked widespread outrage in the Union Territory.
According to an official notice accessed by news agency, the inquiry officer has called upon individuals with any knowledge of the incident to record their statements or provide supporting evidence. The inquiry proceedings will take place between October 4 and 18 at the DC Office Conference Hall in Leh.
“Any person(s) having information about the incident or willing to provide oral evidence, written statements, or material evidence (such as photographs or video recordings) may appear before the undersigned and submit their statements/evidence,” the notice reads.
The killings in Leh have drawn sharp criticism from political and civil society groups, who have demanded accountability and transparency in the handling of the protests. The inquiry is expected to shed light on whether the use of force was proportionate and if standard operating procedures were followed by security forces on the ground.
