- Leh and Kargil observed a shutdown on 24 September, called 'Martyrs Day' by local groups.
- Wangchuk alleged the firing came without orders; the judicial inquiry into it has not published findings.
- He called Rs 15 lakh compensation per family inadequate and asked for review of cases against protesters.
Shops stayed shut in Leh and Kargil on 24 September 2026, on a call by LAB and KDA, to mark the first anniversary of the 2025 police firing that killed four people during protests for statehood. The day before, Wangchuk led a symbolic march in Leh, shortened because of the weather, PTI reported. At a prayer meeting he alleged the firing came "without any firing order". A judicial inquiry led by retired Supreme Court judge B.S. Chauhan has not released its findings; Wangchuk demanded them on 27 September.
Claim by claim
Four people were killed in police firing during protests in Leh on 24 September 2025.
The Hindu, PTI and The Indian Express all report four deaths in the firing.
The Hindu · ThePrint (PTI) · The Indian ExpressSecurity forces opened "indiscriminate firing, without any firing order".
Said by Sonam WangchukThe judicial inquiry into the police action has not reported. The government has described a "serious law and order situation" in Leh that day.
The Hindu · Press Information Bureau · UT Administration of LadakhEighty-seven people were named as accused and 81 arrested after the violence, and withdrawal of cases has been approved for 20.
Said by Sonam WangchukThese figures come from Wangchuk's statement as reported by The Indian Express; no official figures were found.
The Indian ExpressWhat each side says
They want the inquiry findings published, including who ordered the firing and whether crowd-control steps were exhausted first, plus higher compensation and review of cases against people who, Wangchuk says, were not involved in violence.
The Hindu · The Indian ExpressThe Home Ministry has described a serious law and order situation in Leh on 24 September 2025. The inquiry commission said in May that it had examined 93 witnesses and was working in a transparent, systematic way.
Press Information Bureau · UT Administration of LadakhStep by step
Marchers led by Wangchuk were expected to reach the Shaheed Memorial Park in Leh, PTI reported.
Shutdown and prayer meetings in Leh and Kargil.
Not yet known
- ?When the Chauhan inquiry will submit and publish its report.
- ?What will happen to the remaining criminal cases from the 2025 protests.
Sources
5 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.
- The HinduShutdown, special prayers mark first death anniversary of Ladakh violence victims
- ThePrint (PTI)Wangchuk leads padyatra in Leh ahead of first anniversary of September 24 violence
- The Indian ExpressLadakh firing: Sonam Wangchuk demands inquiry report, cases withdrawal
- Press Information BureauGovernment/MHA decides to revoke the detention of Shri Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect
- UT Administration of LadakhJoint Secretary JIC Rigzin Spalgon briefs media on progress of Judicial Inquiry.
Spasht writes original summaries. Follow the links to read each outlet's own report. Revision 1.