L-G announces ₹15 lakh relief for Leh protest victims

The administration of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena disclosed a compensation scheme on Sunday, September 13, 2026, allocating ₹15 lakh to the next of kin of each of the four civilians who lost their lives during the Leh street protests last year. The announcement was made after a fresh round of negotiations between the Union government and Ladakh’s civil‑society representatives, including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Saxena also expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his supportive stance.

Under the scheme, families of those with major injuries will receive an ex‑gratia of ₹3 lakh, while victims with minor injuries are slated to get ₹1 lakh each. The compensation decision comes after talks held on September 9, 2026, where Ladakh groups pressed for financial relief. The protests on September 24, 2025, resulted in four deaths and approximately 90 injuries after security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators in Leh.

The incident has heightened calls for greater autonomy and development in the Union Territory. The Centre has already promised tailored provisions under Article 371, which will eventually grant Ladakh its own legislature. The compensation package is seen as a step toward addressing the grievances of affected families and easing tensions between the local populace and the central administration.