Nyoma clash: Army recommends action against 168 men

An Army Court of Inquiry has recommended disciplinary action against 168 personnel, including the then Commanding Officer of an artillery unit, for their role in a clash between officers and jawans in May last year in Nyoma in Ladakh.

The Northern Army Commander has confirmed the recommendations by the CoI for disciplinary action against 168 personnel including three other officers, 17 Junior Commissioned Officers and 147 jawans, army sources said.

Disciplinary action in connection with the incident may also lead to a court martial, they said.

The CoI was held under Brigadier Ajay Talwar. It had completed its probe and submitted its report to the 14 Corps headquarters in Leh in December. The personnel have been indicted by the CoI for various charges including arson and assault.

Three officers, including the CO, and eight jawans of the 226 Field Regiment were injured in the fracas at Mahe firing range near Nyoma.

A day after the incident, the Army had ordered a CoI in which 215 witnesses including five officers, 21 JCOs and 189 jawans were examined.

The officers and men had clashed during a firing practice session, where women were also present without proper authorisation.