LBA seeks footage to assist violence probe; calls for music-free weddings

Leh, Oct 21 (PTI) The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) on Tuesday sought photos and video clips of the September 24 violence that left four persons dead and several injured, saying such material is critical for the ongoing investigation and in the pursuit of justice.

The association, which is part of the Leh Apex Body, also appealed to the community to hold weddings without music as a tribute to the slain persons.

The Centre, on October 17, moved to address a key demand of the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) by announcing a judicial inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge into the September 24 clashes.

According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the judicial probe, to be headed by Justice B S Chauhan, a former

judge of the Supreme Court, is mandated to investigate the circumstances leading to the serious law and order situation, the police action and the resultant unfortunate deaths of four people, including a 1999 Kargil war veteran.

“Anyone present at the scene (on September 24), and who possesses photos or video footage of the incident, should come forward and submit the material to the LBA office.

“These visuals are considered critical for the ongoing investigation and pursuit of justice,” the association appealed to the public, while assuring them the identity of anyone sharing such evidence would be kept strictly confidential.

The LBA also addressed the community about upcoming weddings and ceremonies, many of which are scheduled to take place in the coming days.

“While these events may continue as planned, people are strongly urged to avoid playing musical and traditional instruments such as the Daman and Surna, in solidarity with the victims (of violence),” the appeal said.

The LBA said those killed or injured in the incident made “sacrifices in support of Ladakh’s demands, and respecting their memory is the collective responsibility of the community”.

The widespread violence broke out during a shutdown called by a constituent of the apex body to advance talks with the Centre on the demands for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Both LAB and KDA, spearheading the agitation for the past five years, are scheduled to hold talks with a sub-committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi on Wednesday. The talks were agreed upon by the two sides to end the nearly five-month-long deadlock. PTI TAS TAS NSD NSD