In a major development, the Government has today ordered judicial inquiry into the events of September 24 clashes in Leh which resulted in death of four civilians and injuries to many.
Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India) shall inquire into the circumstances leading to the serious law and order situation, the police action and the resultant unfortunate death of the four individuals.
Earlier, on October 2 the Ladakh administration had announced Magisterial probe by IAS officer Mukul Beniwal to investigate the clashes of September and fix responsibility.
However, several Ladakh groups including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance as also the influential religious groups and individuals had appealed for Judicial Inquiry through a sitting or retired judge to hold and impartial inquiry.
The administration had assured everyone that Judicial Inquiry shall also be held upon finding out the availability and consent of a Judge willing to hold sittings in Ladakh. On October 9, Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal also held a meeting with the members of the Civil Society and assured them that matter of Judicial Inquiry is under consideration and being discussed with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal had requested the Ladakh groups to wait for the procedural formalities for the Judicial Investigation to take shape
Now with the competition of the required procedure under relevant rules, the Government has formally announced Judicial Inquiry under the (name and designation of the Judge), with (a brief description of terms and conditions)
An official handout in this connection said, “In order to ensure an impartial inquiry the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, today, notified a Judicial Inquiry to be conducted by Hon’ble Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India) into the circumstances leading to the serious law and order situation, the police action and the resultant unfortunate death of the four individuals.”
It may mentioned here that to press for the Judicial Inquiry and other demands, the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have announced peaceful march to be held in Leh, Kargil and other places on October 18. Now it is to be seen that whether these groups still go ahead with the peace march after the announcement of Judicial Inquiry.
Sources in the government said that the genuine demands being raised by LAB and KAD are being agreed to step by step. Government sources further said that September 24 tragedy could have been avoided if the Apex Body had trusted the steps being taken by the government.
Government sources also said that all genuine demands are under consideration and the Home Ministry is ready to engage in dialogue as and when Ladakhi groups make up their mind for resumption of talks.
The official handout announcing the judicial inquiry further said, “The Government has always been open for dialogues at any time. We would continue to welcome the discussion with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the High Powered Committee on Ladakh or any such platform. We are confident that continuous dialogue would yield the desired results in near future. The Government stands committed to the aspiration of people of Ladakh”.
