LAB Threatens Intensified Agitation if MHA Talks Fail

Ahead of a critical meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on September 9, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has issued a strong warning to intensify its agitation if the government does not make significant progress on key issues pertinent to Ladakh.

The LAB, collaborating with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been at the forefront of advocating for constitutional and political safeguards for Ladakh since it was designated a Union Territory in August 2019.

Their principal demands encompass legislation specific to Ladakh at the Union Territory level, safeguards under Article 371, withdrawal of cases related to the September 24 violence last year, compensation for victims, and the disclosure of findings from the inquiry commission investigating the incident.

LAB chairman Chering Dorje Lakruk emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting but insisted the efficacy of the dialogue will be determined by its results.

“If the meeting produces a positive outcome with constructive and result-oriented discussions, we will welcome it. However, if it falls short, we will ramp up our agitation efforts significantly,” Lakruk stated.

Additionally, he expressed dissatisfaction regarding the government’s delay in releasing the inquiry commission’s findings concerning the September 24 violence, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals.

“We question the upkeep of cases against those connected with the violence. While we appreciate reports regarding the withdrawal of cases related to the July 20 incident in Delhi, we accuse the Centre of showing a ‘double standard’ towards Ladakh,” he added.

According to LAB, out of the nearly 80 cases registered concerning last year’s violence, only 25 have been withdrawn thus far. Lakruk underlined the need for equality, stating, “We are all Indians, and everyone should be treated equally. The lives of Ladakh’s residents should not be deemed expendable.”

With the month of September dedicated as “Martyrs’ Month” to honor those lost, injured, or jailed last year, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk indicated that various events have been organized. However, a planned padyatra from Kargil to Leh on September 10 has been postponed to honor the MHA talks.

“We have collectively agreed to postpone the padyatra for now,” Wangchuk reported, noting that it could resume if the negotiations do not yield satisfactory results. The padyatra may occur five days prior to September 24 if necessary.

Wangchuk noted that expectations from the government include a detailed draft regarding the proposed Ladakh Assembly, shedding light on its powers and rights in the September 9 meeting.

“If we witness progress on these issues, we will deem the talks successful,” he remarked.

He further articulated concerns surrounding the circumstances of the previous year’s violence, suggesting that LAB might be compelled to disclose pertinent information regarding the violence and arson if deemed essential.

“Should Ladakh continue to receive unfair treatment while other regions receive more attention, we will inevitably be forced to initiate a large-scale agitation following September 9,” he asserted, reflecting the unity of the community’s sentiments regarding their demands.