Ahead of MHA-Ladakh talks in September, Centre’s outreach sees withdrawal of cases against Leh protestors
The Ladakh administration is withdrawing cases against 25 individuals involved in the 2025 Leh protests as part of an outreach effort ahead of upcoming talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Civil society groups continue to demand justice for those killed during the unrest and advocate for statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
Why it matters
This move represents a strategic attempt by the Indian government to de-escalate tensions in a sensitive border region before high-level negotiations.
The Ladakh administration has started addressing the demands of the civil society groups of the region ahead of the Ministry of Home Affairs-level talks in New Delhi next month, as the authorities started reviewing the cases against alleged protestors for the September 24, 2025 violence.
“Cases against 25 individuals found to have had limited or no involvement would be withdrawn, with necessary closure proceedings undertaken in accordance with law.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,” said Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, in a statement issued on Thursday (August 20, 2026).
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