Ladakh 2025 protest case: Cases against 25 withdrawn, Panchayat elections preparation begins

Chief Secretary of Ladakh Ashish Kundra informed that cases against 25 out of the 87 people booked in September 24 2025 protest and violence case would be withdrawn and police will be asked to identify more individuals who were not directly involved in the incident.

Kundra also announced the decision of the administration to commence the preparations for the Panchayat elections in Ladakh and stated that the next formal meeting of the sub committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs with the political representatives from Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance will be held around second week of September.

He addressed a presser in Leh following the meeting of MHA officials with the members of KDA and ABL during which the representatives of Ladakh submitted a ‘non-negotiable’ resolution which included a demand for a legislative assembly for Ladakh along with constitutional safeguards under relevant provisions of Article 371 and that the home affairs be placed under the elected government, like that in Puducherry. They had also demanded withdrawal of FIRs against all 87 people booked in the September 24 2025 protest for the constitutional safeguards, during which four people were killed allegedly by the government forces and over 87 people including civilians, police and paramilitary forces were injured.


“This is a sad incident and blot in the history of India. This happened in a peace loving community. Now following the demand of ABL and KDA, cases against 25 individuals found to have had limited or no involvement would be withdrawn, with necessary closure proceedings undertaken in accordance with law. Charge sheets have been filed against nine persons in cases where evidence was available, and that the matter would remain subject to proceedings before the competent courts. Also, we have asked the DGP Ladakh to identify other people who were bystanders and had no direct involvement in the incident,” Kundra told reporters in Leh.

The chief secretary said that after the recent meeting involving representatives of the ABL and KDA, including former LAHDC leadership with representatives of the MHA in Leh the administration is making efforts to schedule a formal meeting of the Ladakh Sub-Committee with the MHA in New Delhi by or before the second week of September to discuss the demands and expectations placed before the central government and the broader framework being examined for Ladakh.

He also announced to commence the preparations for the Panchayat elections in Ladakh and said that the State Election Commission will undertake preparation and

revision of electoral rolls, followed by formal notification and other statutory processes.

On the recently approved land-use change provisions, Kundra said a mechanism is being established to enable eligible landowners to use agricultural land for permissible non-agricultural purposes, including industrial and other productive activities. A dedicated portal is being developed to facilitate applications through a transparent and accessible process.

He also announced the decision of the lieutenant governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena to regularise long-pending ‘Nautor land tenancy rights’ including cases involving unauthorised allotments.

“Around 40000 landholders are impacted because of this issue. Draft rules for a one-time regularisation process have been prepared, under which the LAHDCs will be authorised to implement the process. The draft guidelines will be placed in the public domain for a prescribed period to invite suggestions and objections before finalisation,” said Kundra adding, “Eligible Nautor land being used for commercial purposes, including hotels, shops and other establishments, will also be eligible for conversion of title on payment of prescribed land-use charges and other applicable dues.” He emphasised that the process would provide clarity to affected landholders while ensuring that land-use changes remain regulated within the applicable legal framework.

On tourism, he said the sector has been brought within the ambit of industrial units and thus under the joint regulatory notification issued by the Power Department, registered hotels, guest houses, resorts and homestays in Ladakh will be charged electricity at the industrial tariff. “The measure is expected to reduce operational costs for the hospitality sector and support tourism and allied economic activities,” he said.