Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakh activist and educator, has criticised the delay in publicising the judicial panel’s report on the police action during protests in Ladakh on September 24, 2025.
The police firing during the unrest resulted in the deaths of four people, including a Kargil War veteran, and left several others injured. Wangchuk stated that the inquiry report is crucial for establishing the circumstances surrounding the use of force and what led to the casualties. He alleged that automatic weapons were used against protesters despite no orders to open fire.
Wangchuk emphasized that the findings of the government-appointed judicial panel are essential for clarifying the events. He argued that the prolonged delay in releasing the report raises concerns over accountability, transparency, and public trust.
He warned that if the government does not release the report soon, civil society groups could form a "people’s tribunal" to independently examine the police action and alleged excesses.
This tribunal would seek to investigate the circumstances of the firing and provide greater clarity on the September 2025 events. The continued absence of the report has intensified demands from activists and civil society for the inquiry findings to be made public.
