In a major development, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday announced its decision to withdraw from the scheduled October 6 talks with the central government in New Delhi. The move comes in response to the September 24 violence in Leh, which left four people dead and over 50 injured, and amid growing public anger over detentions and allegations of excessive force.
Addressing a press conference, senior LAB leader and former parliamentarian Thupstan Chhewang said the body had taken the unanimous decision to stay away from discussions with the Union Home Ministry unless specific conditions were fulfilled. “We cannot proceed with talks until peace and normalcy are restored. The terror and grief among the people must be addressed first,” Chhewang stated.
The conditions laid out by the LAB include a judicial inquiry into the September 24 clashes, withdrawal of all cases filed against protestors, and the unconditional release of those detained in connection with the violence. Among those detained is prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur Jail.
“The government must ensure the release of Wangchuk and others arrested, and there must be accountability for what happened on September 24. Only after these steps are taken can dialogue be considered meaningful,” Chhewang emphasized.
The September 24 incident occurred during a shutdown called by a constituent group of the LAB, which has been campaigning for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard land, jobs, and culture. The protest spiraled into violent clashes after police action, leading to casualties and widespread unrest. Authorities subsequently imposed restrictions in Leh town to prevent further escalation.
In solidarity with the LAB, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) also backed the decision to halt engagement with the Centre. KDA leader Sajjad Kargili called for the immediate release of Wangchuk and other detained youth leaders, stressing that dialogue cannot be held under an atmosphere of intimidation.“The voices of the people are being silenced through arrests and cases. If the government wants genuine dialogue, it must first create an environment of trust,” Kargili said.
The decision of the LAB and KDA to step back from the October 6 meeting marks a significant setback for the Centre’s efforts to address Ladakh’s political demands. The high-powered committee talks were expected to focus on four key issues: statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, creation of a separate Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and constitutional safeguards for representation.
However, the fallout from the September 24 violence has shifted the focus towards accountability, justice, and civil liberties. By linking their participation in talks to the release of detainees and a judicial probe, the LAB and KDA have signaled that they are unwilling to proceed without redressal of immediate grievances.
With tensions still high in Leh and restrictions continuing, the withdrawal of the LAB raises fresh questions about the road ahead for the Centre-Ladakh dialogue. Observers believe that unless confidence-building measures are undertaken quickly, the October 6 talks may lose relevance, further deepening the political deadlock.
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