Security agencies face flak for failing to anticipate Leh protests, firing on locals

Following Wednesday’s violent protests in Leh, serious questions are being raised over the failure of security agencies to foresee the situation and prevent the escalation. This marks the first major instance of violence in decades in Leh, a region historically known for its peaceful civic engagement.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that protesters had set government offices on fire, attacked security personnel, and torched a police vehicle.

“The unruly mob attacked the police personnel, injuring more than 30 police and CRPF personnel,” the statement read. “The mob continued destroying public property and assaulting security forces.”

Now, in Leh, many are questioning how security and intelligence agencies failed to anticipate the protest’s scale and intensity—and if they were aware why no action was taken.

At a press briefing on Wednesday night, the UT administration acknowledged that “several individuals had begun circulating voice messages urging youth and the general public to gather in large numbers on September 24.” Despite this, no significant preventive measures appear to have been taken.

Gelek Phunchok, a member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), said the people of Leh want clear answers from the administration. “If the administration claims it was pre-planned, then why weren’t the deaths and injuries prevented? The L-G says foreign elements are involved, while the ruling BJP blames the Congress. So what’s the truth?” he asked.

Ladakh MP Haneefa Jan criticised the way the situation was handled. “This should have been dealt with through wisdom, restraint, and dialogue—not force,” he said.

“There should be a judicial inquiry into the incident of firing, because this appeared to be a targeted firing,” Haneefa said. “I demand a time-bound investigation, accountability of those responsible and immediate relief for affected families.”

Former Leh MP and BJP leader Jamyang Tsering Namgyal in a letter sent to Ladakh L-G Kavinder Gupta said “firing on unarmed protestors has shaken public trust.”

“There is grave concern that the crisis could have been handled with greater patience,” he said, adding that “Ladakh’s people are united in their call for peace, justice and accountability.”

Leaders who visited the injured at Leh hospital on Thursday said that most victims had sustained bullet injuries, raising further questions about the use of force.

Dr Ishey Namgyal, General Secretary of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, also criticised the administration’s lack of foresight. “If the police knew that a large crowd was expected on Wednesday, they should have imposed restrictions a day earlier. But no preventive action was taken,” he said.

Dr Namgyal added that the emotional state of the youth was further intensified after the health deterioration of two elderly, who were on hunger strike, and had to be shifted to hospital just before the protest turned violent.

In a statement, members of the Leh Apex Body on Thursday demanded judicial inquiry into the matter to ensure that “the persons responsible for the shooting of our people are held accountable and brought to justice.”

“We urge the administration and the police to restrain from harassing our youth leaders and locals,” it said.