Leh Apex Body withdraws from talks with Centre

Leh : The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday announced its decision to withdraw from the talks with the central government, scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi.

The decision comes in the wake of the recent violence in Leh that led to the death of four individuals and injuries to over 50 others.

Speaking at a press conference, senior LAB member Thupstan Chhewang, as per the news agency stated that the body had unanimously decided not to engage in discussions until certain conditions are met.

These include a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested.

Chhewang said that peace and normalcy must be restored before any dialogue can take place.

He called on the Union Home Ministry, the Union Territory administration, and district authorities to take steps to address the current situation. “The terror and grief among the people must be addressed. Only after that can talks be considered,” he said.

The LAB also demanded the release of all individuals detained in connection with the September 24 incident, including environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Following the violence on September 24, curbs have been imposed in Leh town. The clashes occurred during a shutdown called by a constituent of the LAB, which has been campaigning for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

In a separate statement, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) echoed the LAB’s demands.

KDA member, Sajjad Kargili called for the immediate and unconditional release of Wangchuk, who has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, as well as other detained youth leaders.

The KDA also called for an impartial judicial probe into the violence, questioning the role of the administration, which it said had prior intelligence of possible unrest—(KNO)