Leh, Ladakh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has sanctioned a financial assistance package totalling ₹1.52 crore for victims of the violence that erupted during statehood protests on September 24 last year in Leh.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the sanction includes ex-gratia payments to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and compensation for individuals who sustained injuries during the unrest. The violence occurred amidst widespread protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to the Union Territory. Reports indicated that four people died and several others were injured, allegedly due to police firing.
The sanctioned amount designates ₹15 lakh for the next of kin of each of the four deceased individuals. Additionally, ₹3 lakh has been approved for each person who suffered major injuries, and ₹1 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries. The total financial commitment covers ₹60 lakh for the four deceased, ₹72 lakh for 24 individuals with major injuries, and ₹20 lakh for 20 individuals with minor injuries.
The incident resulted in the loss of four lives, with an additional 43 civilians sustaining injuries classified as either major or minor. Prior to this sanction, Ladakh did not have a standing policy that prescribed compensation for deaths or injuries resulting from public unrest or rioting. The administration undertook a review of the matter to provide appropriate humanitarian assistance to the affected families and individuals.
Following his assumption of office in March this year, Lieutenant Governor Saxena prioritised the matter, working towards the finalisation of a suitable compensation package. A spokesperson stated that the compensation is intended as a gesture of support and solidarity with the affected families and individuals, aiming to aid them in their recovery and in overcoming their grief.
Lieutenant Governor Saxena expressed his gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his empathetic and guiding approach, acknowledging his consistent solidarity with the victims and their families. He stated, “While no compensation amount can replace a life lost or erase the pain endured, the Ladakh Administration firmly stands beside every affected family in their journey towards healing and overcoming the grief.” The administration’s move aims to provide tangible support to those impacted by the violent events of the previous year.
The Chenab Times News Desk