Leh violence inquiry to conclude in 4 weeks

A magisterial inquiry ordered into the September 24 violence in Leh that left four persons dead and scores injured would be completed within four weeks, officials said.

The inquiry was ordered by the Leh deputy commissioner, who appointed Sub Divisional Magistrate Nubra Mukul Beniwal as inquiry officer.

Last month, security forces opened fire in Leh town during a shutdown called by the Apex Body Leh to advance talks with the central government over its demand for statehood for Ladakh and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Beniwal, in a public notice, said the inquiry committee is charged with ascertaining facts and circumstances that led to the serious law and order situation, police action, and death of four persons.

Jigmet Dorjey of Kharnak, Rinchen Dadul of Hanu, Stanzin Namgail of Igoo, and Tsewang Tharchin of Skurbuchan died that day in the firing by security forces.

Beniwal also urged the members of the public to visit him if they possess any information that may help him unravel the sequence of events that led to the violence.

He said such people can visit him from October 4 to 18 during office hours at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner's office in Leh.

"All concerned are therefore requested to extend their cooperation to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry," the SDM said.