LEH: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ladakh, on Monday rejected the Congress’ allegations regarding the judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident, asserting that the commission was functioning independently while urging individuals and organisations possessing evidence related to the case to place it before the inquiry for an impartial investigation.
Addressing a press conference in Leh, BJP leaders maintained that the judicial commission was operating without political interference and dismissed allegations that it was being influenced by the ruling party. They said accountability should be fixed on anyone found responsible for the violence, including those accused of instigating or provoking the incident, based on the findings of the inquiry.
The party also expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives during the September 24 incident and stated that it had supported the demand for a judicial inquiry after concerns were raised over the earlier magisterial inquiry. BJP leaders said the judicial process should be allowed to proceed independently and expressed confidence that the inquiry would establish accountability.
Responding to queries regarding First Information Reports registered against youth following the incident, BJP leaders referred to the minutes of the July 3 meeting between representatives of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh, stating that cases involving innocent youth were under consideration for resolution in accordance with the understanding reached during the meeting.
Defending the Centre’s governance since Ladakh became a Union Territory, the party highlighted a series of administrative reforms, stating that the number of tehsils had increased from 15 to 32, while districts had expanded from two to seven. BJP leaders also welcomed the decision to extend the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) framework to the newly created districts, saying it would strengthen decentralised governance and improve administrative accessibility.
On infrastructure, the party cited the progress of strategic and connectivity projects, including the Zojila Tunnel, Shinkun La Tunnel, the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, border road development works and the upcoming inauguration of the new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport. According to BJP leaders, these projects were contributing to improved connectivity, tourism and economic growth across the Union Territory.
Highlighting employment initiatives, BJP leaders said recruitment in Ladakh had been carried out in a transparent and merit-based manner. They referred to the implementation of 85 per cent reservation for Scheduled Tribes and the ongoing recruitment process for Sub-Inspectors, while asserting that the creation of new districts, tehsils and government departments would expand employment opportunities for local youth.
The party criticised the Congress for repeatedly questioning the judicial inquiry and alleged that its statements had created confusion among the public. It also accused Congress leaders of making provocative remarks during the protests and appealed to political parties to refrain from politicising the issue while the judicial process was underway.
BJP leaders further said the party was prepared to participate in a public debate on governance, development and recruitment, including one organised by the Press Club, provided the discussion was based on official records, factual evidence and verifiable data.
Concluding the press conference, the party reiterated its commitment to supporting the ongoing dialogue between Ladakh’s representatives and the Union Government while continuing to pursue infrastructure development, administrative reforms and employment generation in the Union Territory.
