Leh Apex Body pulls out of talks, seeks apology from Centre

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday said it will not attend the next round of talks with the Centre, as per reports, demanding a judicial inquiry into the September 24 firing by security forces in which four people were killed and nearly 90 injured.

The talks, involving the Centre, LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), were scheduled for October 6.

LAB, along with KDA, is leading the agitation for Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. The group has also sought an apology from the Centre for calling Ladakhi protestors “anti-national” and “pro-Pakistan”.

The arrest of climate activist and statehood campaigner Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) has further fueled protests. He has been moved to Jodhpur jail, and his supporters say the move has intensified Ladakh’s struggle across the country.

Notably, authorities on Saturday announced relaxation of curfew in Leh from 1 pm to 3 pm. as the situation showed signs of improvement. 

After taking the leaders of the LAB and KDA into confidence, the curfew was relaxed to allow people to buy essential commodities.

Three days after protests broke out, police on Friday arrested climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for inciting violence.  

The Leh Police confirmed that Sonam Wangchuk, against whom multiple FIRs were lodged by police for inciting protesters to violence on September 24, was arrested on Friday.

Wangchuk had started a fast on September 10 with others in Leh town demanding inclusion of the region in the 6th schedule, grant of statehood and protection for the fragile ecosystem of the Ladakh region.

MHA, in a statement, blamed Sonam Wangchuk for inciting protesters to violence and held him responsible for the disruption of law and order in Leh town.

The MHA also cancelled the FCRA registration certificate of Sonam Wangchuk, founder of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), for violating the FCRA Act.

Wangchuk, who won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018, has denied all the allegations against him. He told reporters on Thursday that his non-profit organisation did not take foreign contributions, but has done business transactions with the UN, Swiss and Italian organisations and paid all taxes.

“They mistook it as foreign contributions. I consider it a mistake on their (Centre’s) part, and therefore I don’t mind it. But that’s what was thought of as a foreign contribution. It is not,” he said.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)