Seeks unconditional release of Wangchuk, withdrawal of cases against all arrested, probe into Leh violence
Leh, Sep 29: 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 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.
Doors open for dialogue on Ladakh: MHA
LG Kavinder says peace cornerstone of development
New Delhi/Leh, Sep 29: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday said that the Centre remains open for dialogue on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time and the doors will always remain open.
In a statement issued, the MHA said, “The Government has always been open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time. We would continue to welcome the discussion with ABL and KDA through the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh or any such platform.”
“The dialogue mechanism established with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the HPC on Ladakh has yielded good results till date in the form of increased reservations to the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh, providing women reservation in LAHDCs and protection to local languages. The process of recruitment for 1800 posts in government has already commenced in UT of Ladakh,” it said, adding, “We are confident that continuous dialogue would yield the desired results in near future.”
Earlier in the day, the LAB announced its decision to withdraw from the talks with the Centre, scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi. The LAB demanded a judicial inquiry into last week’s violence and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested.
Pertinently, on September 24, there was violence during the protests over statehood demands during the hunger strike led by the environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protesters had gone on rampage, attacking offices and burning down the BJP office. The security personnel had opened fire, which left four people dead and more than 50 injured. Restrictions were imposed in the town after the violence and since then the relaxation is being given in phases and situation has remained calm.
On Friday, Wangchuk was arrested under the stringent National Security Act, accused of inciting the mob. He has been shifted to a jail in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur. A Pakistan angle has emerged in the probe against him, with the DGP Ladakh pointing to his visit to Pakistan and the arrest of a Pakistani Intelligence Operative.
“We also arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was in touch with him and was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Wangchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. There is a big question mark on him,” Ladakh Police Chief SD Singh Jamwal had said.
