Leh Apex Body Halts Talks with Centre Amid Violence

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has decided to suspend talks with the Centre until normalcy is restored in Ladakh. This announcement comes after violent protests on September 24, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to many others. LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang stated, "We have unanimously agreed that the situation that is prevailing in Ladakh, keeping that in view, as long as peace is not restored, we will not participate in any talks."

The protests erupted during a shutdown called by the LAB to push for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The unrest led to clashes between protesters and security forces, with over 50 individuals detained for their involvement in the riots. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the agitation, was also arrested under the National Security Act (NSA).

Chhewang urged the Home Ministry and the Union Territory administration to address the prevailing "atmosphere of fear, grief, and anger" in the region. He emphasized that the LAB would not engage in discussions until a conducive environment is established. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) expressed its willingness to continue dialogues with the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), highlighting previous positive outcomes from such discussions.

The violence on September 24 was marked by severe clashes, including stone-pelting and arson, with protesters targeting security vehicles and local offices. The KDA has also demanded the immediate release of detained individuals, including Wangchuk, and has criticized the UT administration for the unrest.

The LAB and KDA have been advocating for statehood and other rights for Ladakh since the region was granted Union Territory status in August 2019. Chhewang noted that the initial assurances regarding safeguards under Article 370 and Article 35A were not fulfilled, prompting the current agitation for their rights. The LAB had been preparing for talks with the Centre, which were scheduled for October 6, but the recent violence has led to a reevaluation of their participation in the dialogue process.