The inquiry commission is conducting the investigation under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Dr BS Chauhan. File photo.
State Bureau, Jammu. The Judicial Inquiry Commission, which is probing the violent protests on September 24 in Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh, has expedited its proceedings and has so far recorded the statements of 22 officers.
In its next meeting, the Inquiry Commission will take steps towards recording the statements of people in connection with the violent protests. During this time, the dates for recording the statements of the people who have submitted their affidavits in this case will also be made public.
During the violent protests in Leh, 4 people were killed in police firing while many were injured. After local organizations raised the issue of deaths of people from Leh to Delhi, the Central Government had announced the formation of a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Dr BS Chauhan to bring out the truth in this matter.
Took statements of 22 officers of security forces
Riggin Spalgon, Joint Secretary of the Judicial Inquiry Commission, which is investigating, informed on Tuesday that the Commission held continuous meetings from December 17 to December 23 and recorded the statements of officers associated with the Central Reserve Police Force, Executive Magistrates and Ladakh Police. Till now, during the proceedings of the Commission, statements of 22 officers of Leh administration and security forces have been taken regarding the incident of September 24.
The Joint Secretary of the Commission also clarified that the written statements and documents already presented by these officers have been thoroughly studied and examined by the Commission. This was part of the preliminary investigation process. Oral statements were verified on the basis of these documents. This is being done to ensure a fair investigation of all the facts and circumstances related to the incident.
Dates for recording people's statements will be made public
He further informed that the next meeting of the Commission will be held in the near future. In this the general public will also be called to record their statements. Along with this, people who have already submitted their affidavits will be called on the dates to be decided soon to record their statements. He told that the dates for recording the statement will be finalized soon.
The Judicial Inquiry Commission is conducting an impartial, transparent and factual investigation into all aspects related to the incident in Leh on 24 September. This is being done to bring out the truth about the protests so that such incidents can be prevented from recurring in the future. This process being carried out by the Commission will be important in bringing forward the role and experiences of the administrative and security agencies as well as the common citizens.