# Ladakh LG withdraws cases against 20 in Leh violence 2026-09-23T18:17:07+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals booked for the violence that erupted during statehood protests in Leh on September 24, 2025. The cases were withdrawn under section 360 of the BNSS on the recommendation of Ladakh Police, following a review of investigations. The four people who died in the violence are among those whose cases have been withdrawn. Saxena said the decision was taken in the larger interest of peace and social harmony. He thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his guidance. The Times of India reports that of 81 people arrested for rioting and arson, charges against 20 have been withdrawn, and the LG's office did not comment on the remaining 61 accused. The development came a day before the first anniversary of the violence, and after Kargil Democratic Alliance and Leh Apex Body representatives met MHA officials. On September 13, Saxena had sanctioned Rs 15 lakh compensation to the kin of each of the four deceased. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a padyatra in Leh on Wednesday, announcing September 24 will be observed as Shaheed Diwas. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Deccan Herald and Times Now report the case withdrawal as an administrative decision for peace and healing, quoting the LG's statements approvingly. The Times of India adds context the other two omit: police opened fire during the protests, 61 of 81 arrested still face charges, and the judicial inquiry commission is yet to submit its report. This critical framing underscores the incomplete justice for victims and unresolved cases. The balanced reading: the withdrawal covers only a quarter of the accused, and the judicial probe remains open, so the full resolution of the September 24 violence is still pending. The commission's report, when submitted, will be the next concrete milestone. ## Coverage - deccanherald.com (neutral report) Straight reporting of LG's decision and context, no editorial slant. - timesnownews.com (neutral report) Directly quotes LG and provides factual background without criticism. - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (government critical) Highlights police firing, number of accused still facing charges, and probe not yet submitted. Tags: Kargil Democratic Alliance, Ladakh, Leh, Leh Apex Body, Sonam Wangchuk, Vinai Kumar Saxena Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ladakh-lg-withdraws-cases-against-20-in-leh-violence/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ladakh-lg-withdraws-cases-against-20-in-leh-violence/#story-in-brief