Editor JK News Today
Commentary
The Ladakh administration has fulfilled its commitment to provide compensation to the next of kin of the four individuals who died in the violent clashes of September 24, 2025. This decisive action comes just days after the administration gave its word during the September 9, 2026, round of talks between Ladakh leaders and the subcommittee constituted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the region’s grievances. This marks yet another major step toward healing the wounds of the local population and a landscape that endured unbearable tragedy last year.
The Centre—specifically the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the leadership of Amit Shah—has demonstrated deep sensitivity toward the affected families. More than just financial compensation, this gesture serves as a formal recognition of their pain and an earnest attempt to heal it. It also represents a giant leap toward moving past that tragic day, allowing the affected families and the region to advance on a path toward peace and progress. Furthermore, this goodwill gesture will significantly strengthen ongoing negotiations between Ladakh leaders and the MHA, serving as a pivot for reconciliation and aligning the objectives of both the Centre and Ladakh.
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced a compensation of Rs. 15 lakh for the next of kin of each of the four individuals killed in Leh last September. The MHA subcommittee holding negotiations with Ladakh leaders—including the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—had committed to this relief package in response to direct demands. Among various agenda items, this specific issue reflected the deep sensitivities involved in the talks.
Ladakh leaders were particularly concerned about this matter due to intense pressure from local communities and the families of the casualties regarding their long-term well-being. The issue had become a true test of credibility for these leaders, especially following their success in securing a positive response and the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Central Jail Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on March 14, 2026. The MHA had subsequently withdrawn the National Security Act (NSA) cases against Wangchuk, which heightened public expectations and placed immense pressure on the leadership to deliver results for the riot victims as well.
The demand for compensation was also vigorously supported by the local BJP leadership, prominently led by former Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson. They had pleaded with the Centre to compensate the families of those killed on that fateful day so they could continue to live with dignity.
Following these appeals, the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena officially sanctioned compensation for the families of the four deceased individuals: Tsewang Tharchin, a 46-year-old Kargil War veteran from Skurbuchan; Jigmet Dorjey, a young protestor from Khaltse; Rinchen Dadul, a resident of Hanu; and Stanzin Namgail from Igoo.
LG Saxena announced the decision on Sunday via X (formerly Twitter):
“In our commitment to support the families affected by the tragic violence in Ladakh on September 24 last year, today I sanctioned a compensation of Rs. 15 lakh to the next of kin of each of the four deceased. An ex-gratia relief of Rs. 3 lakh for those with major injuries and Rs. 1 lakh for minor injuries has also been approved. Deeply grateful to Hon’ble Home Minister Amit Shah ji for his sensitive, humanitarian, and guiding approach, as he has always stood in solidarity with the victims and their families. While no compensation amount can replace a lost life or erase the pain endured, the Ladakh administration firmly stands beside every affected family in their journey toward healing and overcoming grief.”
Now is the time to move ahead in resolving the issues which continue to be part of the negotiations . Ladakh should recognise that the Centre is sensitive and responsive to all the genuine issues .
