Saxena said the decision, posted on the social‑media platform X, follows a comprehensive review by Ladakh police, which recommended closure reports for the 20 accused under FIR No. 144/2005 filed under section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The lieutenant governor said the move is intended to promote “peace, public tranquillity and social harmony” and to allow the individuals to resume their lives and careers, arguing that justice and healing should take precedence over prolonged litigation.
In his statement, Saxena thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his “constant guidance and sympathetic approach” to the victims and their families, underscoring the central government’s role in the aftermath of the unrest.
The Ladakh administration had indicated in August that it would file closure reports for those charged in connection with the 2025 incident, which left four dead and several injured after protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards turned violent.
The withdrawal comes a day after representatives of the Kargil Democratic Alliance and the Leh Apex Body met officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Leh, and a day before the first anniversary of the September 24 violence.
On September 23, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk led a symbolic padyatra in Leh to mark the anniversary, announcing that September 24 will be observed as “Shaheed Diwas” to honour those killed in the unrest.
The Union Territory administration had earlier ordered a judicial enquiry into the 2025 violence, but the closure of the criminal cases signals a shift toward reconciliation rather than continued prosecution.