Ahead of a crucial meeting in New Delhi on September 9, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has cautioned the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) about escalating agitation if it fails to make substantial headway on key demands. LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has spearheaded efforts for constitutional and political safeguards for Ladakh since it was designated as a Union Territory in August 2019.
The demands from the groups include legislation for Ladakh at the Union Territory level, safeguards under Article 371, and the withdrawal of cases tied to violence that erupted on September 24 last year, which resulted in four fatalities. They also seek compensation for the victims and want the inquiry commission’s report regarding the incident made public.
LAB chairman Chering Dorje Lakruk expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming talks but emphasized that their effectiveness would depend on the outcomes.
“If the meeting yields a positive outcome and fosters constructive dialogue, we will embrace it. Otherwise, we will escalate our agitation decisively,” Lakruk stated. His disappointment over the delay in releasing the inquiry report into the September 24 violence was evident. He raised concerns regarding the pending cases against individuals linked to the incidents.
Welcoming news that some cases from the July 20 events at Jantar Mantar in Delhi might be withdrawn, Lakruk accused the Centre of exhibiting a double standard towards Ladakh. He stated that only 25 of nearly 80 cases related to last year’s violence have been withdrawn thus far. “Everyone deserves equal treatment. The lives of the people of Ladakh cannot be deemed insignificant,” he asserted, reiterating calls for compensation to families of the deceased and injured.
Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned climate activist, announced that the LAB would observe September as “Martyrs’ Month” to honor those impacted during last year’s unrest. Several activities were planned; notably, a padyatra from Kargil to Leh, scheduled for September 10, has been postponed due to the MHA discussions.
“We’ve mutually decided to delay the padyatra for now,” Wangchuk stated, but warned that if the upcoming talks do not satisfy their expectations, they might reschedule it within five days of the anniversary of the September 24 violence.
Wangchuk articulated the community’s hope that the government would present a comprehensive draft regarding the proposed Ladakh Assembly, detailing its powers and functions, during the September 9 meeting. “Should progress be made on these concerns, we will deem the talks successful,” he noted.
He further highlighted ongoing concerns about the conditions surrounding the September 24 violence, indicating the potential for the LAB to disclose pertinent information regarding the unrest if necessary. “If inequitable treatment continues towards Ladakh, we will be compelled to instigate a large-scale agitation post-September 9,” he warned.
The outcome of the September 9 discussions could significantly shape relationships between the Central government and the people of Ladakh. Stakeholders remain hopeful that a favorable outcome might avoid further discord.
