Leh: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday announced that it will not participate in talks with the High Powered Committee of the Union Home Ministry until peace and normalcy are restored in Ladakh. The decision came shortly after the cremation of a former army soldier — the fourth victim of the recent violence — under heavy security in curfew-bound Leh.
The curfew, imposed last Wednesday, was briefly relaxed for two hours at 4 PM across the town, with officials confirming that no fresh incidents were reported.
“Talks Only After Peace is Restored”
Addressing a press conference, LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang, a former two-time MP, said:
“We have unanimously agreed that the situation that is prevailing in Ladakh, keeping that in view, as long as peace is not restored and a conducive atmosphere is not created, we will not participate in any talks. We will urge the Home Ministry, UT administration, and the administration to take steps to address the atmosphere of fear, grief and anger that is there.”
Background of the Violence
On September 24, widespread violent protests broke out during a shutdown called by LAB to push the Centre on demands for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
The clashes between protesters and security personnel left four dead, dozens injured, and over 50 people detained for alleged rioting. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, the key face of the agitation, was also detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
Talks with the Centre
After nearly four months of stalled dialogue, the Centre had on September 20 invited both LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for talks scheduled on October 6.
Chhewang pointed out that the Centre had earlier assured the people of Ladakh about safeguards but progress has remained slow.
“The process of talks continued for five years on our four demands — extension of safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, statehood, separate cadre, job reservation and public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats.”
Leh Apex Body Suspends Talks With Centre Amid Curfew And Violence In Ladakh
