Leh Apex Body Warns of Intensified Agitation If September 9 MHA Talks Fail
By : Sheikh Mohammad Isa
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has warned of a major escalation in its agitation if the Centre fails to make “concrete” progress on Ladakh’s key demands during talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Delhi on September 9. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The LAB sub-committee is scheduled to meet MHA officials on September 9, with the outfit saying the outcome of the meeting will determine its next course of action.
The LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been jointly leading the movement since Ladakh was granted Union Territory status in August 2019. The two groups have held several rounds of talks with the Centre since 2021.
Their key demands include legislation for Ladakh at the Union Territory level, constitutional safeguards under Article 371, withdrawal of cases registered after the September 24 violence last year, compensation for victims and the release of the inquiry commission’s report.
LAB chairman Chering Dorje Lakruk said the group welcomed the upcoming meeting but would judge the talks by the results achieved.
“If the meeting produces a positive outcome… and if there is constructive and result-oriented dialogue on these issues, we will welcome it. Otherwise, we will intensify our agitation very strongly,” he said.
LAB Questions Delay in Inquiry Report
Lakruk also expressed concern over the delay in releasing the report of the inquiry commission set up to investigate the September 24 incidents, in which four people were killed.
He questioned why cases registered against people in connection with the violence were still pending.
While welcoming the reported decision to withdraw cases linked to the July 20 Jantar Mantar incident in Delhi, Lakruk accused the Centre of adopting a “double standard” towards Ladakh.
According to him, only 25 of the 80 cases registered in connection with last year’s violence have so far been withdrawn.
“We are all Indians, and everyone should be treated equally. The lives of the people of Ladakh are not so cheap,” he said.
Lakruk also demanded compensation for the families of those killed and injured during the agitation.
September Observed as ‘Martyrs’ Month’
Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said the LAB was observing September as a “Martyrs’ Month” to remember those who were killed, injured or jailed during last year’s events.
Several programmes have been planned as part of the observance. However, a proposed padyatra from Kargil to Leh, scheduled to begin on September 10, has been postponed because of the MHA meeting on September 9.
“We have collectively decided to postpone the padyatra for the time being,” Wangchuk said.
He said the march could be revived if the September 9 talks fail to produce a satisfactory outcome.
According to Wangchuk, the march could then be organised around five days before September 24, if the situation reaches that point.
“We will once again appeal to people from across India to come forward in support of Ladakh, in support of the environment, and in support of the people of Ladakh who remain steadfast on the country’s borders,” he said.
LAB Seeks Draft on Proposed Ladakh Assembly
Wangchuk said the LAB expected the government to bring a detailed draft on the proposed Ladakh Assembly, clearly outlining its powers and rights, to the September 9 meeting.
“If there is progress on these issues, we will consider the talks successful,” he said.
He also said the circumstances surrounding the September 24 incidents were “not normal” and indicated that the LAB could disclose what it knows about the violence and incidents of arson if necessary.
Wangchuk warned that the movement could take a much larger form if Ladakh continued to feel it was being treated differently from other parts of the country.
“If Ladakh is not treated in the same manner… and a stepmotherly treatment is meted out to Ladakh and the people living along the borders, then we will be compelled to launch a very large-scale agitation after September 9,” he said.
You Might Also Like:
Atiqa Mir Shines at WSK Final Cup with Two Top-Four Finishes Despite Karting Setbacks
Ruhullah Slams Kashmir Mainstream Politics, Says BJP Rally Exposes ‘Complete Surrender’
Yasin Malik Announces Divorce From Mushaal Malik, Says He Wants to Spare Her Life as a Widow
