Arrests continue over Leh violence: Bar assn

Even as local courts in Leh have granted bail to around 40 individuals arrested in connection with the September 24 violence, the Ladakh Police continue to make more arrests, according to lawyers familiar with the case.

Mohd Shafi Lassu, President of the Bar Association, Leh, said approximately 75 people have been arrested so far. “Around 40 have already been granted bail by the court, and more bail hearings are scheduled in the coming days,” Lassu said.

He, however, expressed concern over the continued arrests, calling them a “pressure tactic by the administration”.

The violence erupted during a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 35-day fast demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. On September 24, security forces opened fire during protests, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to nearly 100 others. Wangchuk ended his hunger strike shortly after the incident.

On Monday, 14 more individuals were released, while 26 others had previously been granted interim bail. However, the number of fresh arrests continues to rise.

Police officials in Ladakh defended the ongoing arrests, stating they are part of a continuing investigation into the violence. “The investigation is underway. We are arresting only those whose involvement in the violence has been established,” a senior police official said on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Leh Apex Body (LAB), one of the two prominent groups leading the ongoing movement in Ladakh, disputed the administration's claim that normalcy had returned to the region. The group has demanded the immediate lifting of restrictions, release of all detainees, and restoration of mobile internet services, which remain suspended.

“These steps are essential to restore public confidence,” said LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay, who also accused the administration of harassing village heads (numberdars) for informing locals about the LAB-led hunger strike held from September 10 to 24.