‘Atmosphere of Fear & Anger’: Leh Apex Body Refuses Talks Until Normalcy Returns in Ladakh
Ladakh, India: Days after violent protests in Leh that claimed four lives, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) announced it will not engage in talks with the Centre until peace and normalcy are restored in Ladakh.
LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang urged the Home Ministry and the Union Territory administration to address the prevailing atmosphere of “fear, grief and anger.”
Arrests and Demands
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and lodged in Jodhpur jail, accused of inciting unrest through his speeches.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has demanded the unconditional release of Wangchuk and other detained youth leaders.
The groups leading the agitation LAB and KDA reiterated that demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule are “non-negotiable.”
The Protests and Violence
Protests in Leh turned violent on September 24, leading to the deaths of four people and injuries to several others, including security personnel.
The BJP office in Leh was set on fire during the unrest.
KDA leaders held the UT administration directly responsible for the violence, accusing it of ignoring people’s grievances.
Political Context
The agitation for statehood and constitutional protections has been ongoing since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory in 2019. The latest violence has deepened mistrust between local groups and the central government.
A Region in Tension
Chhewang emphasized that dialogue cannot continue “as long as peace is not restored in Ladakh.” Both the LAB and KDA have warned that ignoring Ladakh’s demands risks further alienating people in the Himalayan region.
