Leh, Sept 25: In the wake of violent confrontations that engulfed Leh Town on September 24, Member of Parliament Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan visited injured protestors at SNM Hospital today, personally enquiring about their health and assuring that their grievances would receive attention. The MP also met with individuals detained during the unrest at Police Chowki Colony, underscoring the urgency of addressing the consequences of the clashes.
Reflecting on the previous day’s turmoil, MP Jan described the events as one of the darkest chapters in Ladakh’s history, mourning the deaths of five local youth and drawing attention to the injuries suffered by dozens of students and residents. He emphasized that the situation should have been resolved through dialogue and restraint rather than force.
The MP reiterated that the people of Ladakh have long pursued Statehood and 6th Schedule safeguards through peaceful advocacy, and condemned the resort to violence in response to their demands. He called for a transparent and time-bound investigation, urging authorities to ensure accountability for the fatalities and to provide prompt relief to affected families. He further stressed that those seriously injured must receive the highest standard of medical care, including transfer to premier hospitals in Delhi if necessary. Extending condolences to the bereaved families, MP Jan remarked that the sacrifice of the lost youth will remain etched in the collective memory of Ladakh.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress attributed the violence to failures by the BJP-led government and urged the people of the Union Territory to pursue resolution of their legitimate demands through peaceful dialogue. In a joint statement, Pradesh Congress Committee leaders, including working president Raman Bhalla, described the situation in Leh as deeply concerning, highlighting the historically peace-loving and patriotic nature of the people of Ladakh.
The statement criticized the BJP and the Centre for overlooking the genuine demands of Ladakhis, including safeguards and political rights, which it said contributed to the unrest. Congress leaders also dismissed the BJP’s allegations that opposition parties and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had instigated the violence, calling such claims an insult to the people of Ladakh.
The party underscored that excessive force led to four deaths and injuries to over 90 individuals, attributing the outcome to the administration’s failure to anticipate and prevent the escalation. It appealed to citizens, particularly youth, to maintain peace, restore normalcy, and pursue their demands through nonviolent struggle and dialogue, reiterating that violence has no place in a democracy. Expressing sympathy for those affected, the Congress pledged support for their peaceful advocacy and genuine aspirations.
