Kashmir Impulse Desk

Leh, April 18 

Two Congress leaders, including a former lawmaker, were released from a district jail in Ladakh on Saturday after nearly seven months in detention in connection with violence in September 2025 that left four people dead and dozens injured, officials said.

Deldan Namgyal and Smanla Dorje were freed from Leh district jail after being granted bail by a high court on Friday.

The two were welcomed by supporters upon their release, with local groups including the Leh Apex Body gathering outside the prison.

Both leaders had been detained following clashes in Leh on Sept. 24, 2025. Their release comes amid ongoing dialogue between regional organisations such as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance with the federal government over demands including statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards.

The development follows the earlier release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been detained under the National Security Act and was freed in March after authorities revoked his detention.

Officials said Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had recently indicated that the continued detention of the two leaders would be reviewed.

Supporters escorted Namgyal and Dorje in a procession after their release, during which they offered prayers and thanked residents and legal representatives for their support.