Apex Body Leh pulls out of talks with MHA
Kargil, Sep 29: The Apex body Leh (ABL) on Monday announced that it would not be part of any talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI), till normalcy is restored in Ladakh .
ABL, an amalgam of various political, religious, social, and trade bodies along with Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), had been spearheading the agitation for a four-point agenda, including statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
After nearly four months of stalled talks, the Centre on September 20 extended an invitation to the ABL and KDA for a high-powered committee (HPC) meeting on October 6, and before that, a preparatory meeting was scheduled in Delhi on September 29.
Addressing a news conference in Leh after attending the last rites of two persons killed during the September 24 protests, ABL Chairman Thupstan Chewang, said, “We have unanimously agreed that until peace is restored in Ladakh, we won’t participate in any talks.”
He said they would urge the Union Home Ministry and Ladakh administration to take steps to address the atmosphere of fear, grief, and anger in Ladakh.
ABL Co-Chairman, Chering Dorjey, said, “We are hurt that the administration has blamed and accused our people, including Sonam Wangchuk, of being anti-national and working at the behest of some foreign influence.”
He rejected allegations of foreign funding and called them baseless attempts by the administration to discredit the movement of the people of Ladakh.
Dorjey blamed the government for mishandling the situation, saying, “They are trying to spin a false narrative. This is the government’s weakness and failure. The administration had blamed us. They said that Nepalese were part of the protests. The DGP told the press that Sonam Wangchuk was anti-national. We are hurt and won’t tolerate this. If the government had held talks in time and fulfilled our demands, this wouldn’t have happened. It worked like a pressure cooker.”
He said that they do not support violence and blamed the government for the situation in Ladakh.
“They are trying to make a toolkit, accusing us of being anti-national and alleging that there is some conspiracy behind this. If this were happening here, then what were the government agencies doing? Why did you wait till September 24? Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike, protesting for a while. This is all baseless, and the government is trying to hide its own faults and failures. We demand a judicial enquiry into the firing by a retired judge of the Supreme Court. We have proof that firing took place without a magistrate’s order or warning,” Dorjey said.
The ABL leaders demanded an inquiry into the firing, release of detained students, withdrawal of cases against protestors, and ABL activists.
They reiterated that Ladakh’s struggle had always been peaceful and rooted in democratic rights.
Meanwhile, curfew-like restrictions remained in place for the sixth day in Leh while internet services remained suspended.
Amid heightened security measures and heavy deployment of Police and paramilitary forces, the funeral and last rites of two people killed during the September 24 protests in Leh were held.
All the schools and colleges remained closed.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a high-level review meeting on the prevailing law and order situation in Ladakh.
He took a detailed assessment of the ground situation in view of the recent developments and the relaxation of restrictions in certain areas.
The LG Ladakh expressed appreciation for the responsible conduct of the people, who have largely cooperated with the administration in maintaining calm and discipline during the sensitive period.
“The people of Ladakh have shown remarkable maturity, restraint, and commitment to peace even in challenging circumstances. Their patience and cooperation reflect the true spirit of harmony that defines our region,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of security forces, Police, and local administration for their coordinated efforts in ensuring normalcy, LG Ladakh urged officials to remain vigilant, responsive, and people-friendly in their approach.
He emphasised that law and order should be enforced firmly yet sensitively, keeping in mind the welfare and sentiments of the local population.
The LG Ladakh also issued clear directions for enhanced intelligence gathering, regular community engagement, and swift redressal of public grievances to strengthen trust between the administration and the citizens. He called upon youth to channel their energies towards constructive nation-building and assured that every legitimate concern of the people will be addressed through dialogue and democratic means.
Appealing to the people of Ladakh, LG Gupta said, “Peace is the cornerstone of development. I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity, and progress.”
Reiterating his government’s commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s unique culture and aspirations, he said that sustained peace and stability would pave the way for accelerated growth and opportunities in the region.
Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police (DGP) S D Singh Jamwal, Additional Director General, CRPF, Rajesh Kumar, and senior officers of the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were present on the occasion.
The officers briefed the LG on the latest developments, preparedness measures, and coordination among agencies to maintain peace and order in Ladakh.
