Leh violence: 26 granted bail, scores still in jail

Leh, Oct 2: A court in Leh has granted interim bail to 26 individuals who were arrested in connection with the September 24 violence that left four civilians dead following police firing on  protesters demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh.

Scores others continue to remain behind bars while police are on the lookout for several more persons accused of involvement in the unrest.

The court sources said that the next hearing for the 26 bailed-out individuals has been listed for October 4.

“The court granted bail after considering the individual petitions. However, the trial and proceedings are far from over, with further hearings to follow,” the sources said.

Mobile internet services remain suspended in Leh for the ninth consecutive day, adding to the frustration of residents and businesses.

Meanwhile, police sources confirmed that dozens of people are still evading arrest. Several names have been listed in ongoing investigations, and security agencies are reportedly carrying out targeted searches to track down those believed to have instigated or participated in the violence.

The September 24 incident, in which four civilians, Jigmet Dorjey of Kharnak, Rinchen Dadul of Hanu, Stanzin Namgail of Igoo, and Tsewang Tharchin of Skurbuchan, were killed during police firing, has triggered widespread anger and political fallout across Ladakh. [KNT]