'Release Sonam Wangchuk': Ladakh leaders warn Centre of unrest, say no talks until demands are met
Ladakh leaders on Tuesday warned the Centre to fulfil the conditions they have put forth for holding talks before the silence in the region turns into a storm.
Addressing a press conference, the leaders of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing political, religious and social organisations of Leh and Kargil, addressed the press after a meeting of the core committee.
“There would be no talks with the Centre until our conditions are met,” said Tsering Dorjey, Co-Chairman of LAB. “The killing of four people, injury to dozens and detention will be remembered in Ladakh’s history.”
KDA leader Asgar Karbalai said the people of Ladakh have always followed the path of peace and non-violence. “The government must fulfil the conditions for talks so that the silence doesn’t turn into a storm,” he said.
He reiterated that the KDA and LAB will not return to the dialogue table until the Centre orders a judicial inquiry headed by a Supreme Court judge, compensates the families of those killed and injured, and releases all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuck, noted Ladakh climate activist and educator unconditionally. Wangchuk has been booked under the National Security Act (NSA) allegedly for provoking youth.
The KDA leader accused officials of using “pressure tactics” to silence government employees and intimidate youth. “This harassment must stop. Our movement is peaceful, but no one should test Ladakh’s patience,” Karbalai warned.
He announced plans to hold a silent and peaceful march in the coming days, with participants wearing black armbands to signify that “Ladakh remains in darkness.” “Later that evening, the region will observe a ‘Ladakh Blackout’ to demand justice and the restoration of rights,” he said.
“Until the rights of Ladakhis are restored—especially our demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections—we will not remain silent,” Karbalai said. “We still have hope, but we will not wait forever.”
Ladakh MP Haneefa Jan, KDA leaders Sajad Kargili and Qamar were also present at the press conference. “We stand with the families of those who were killed on September 24,” said Jan. “It was an unfortunate incident and we are all pained by it.”
He said they have repeatedly stressed that Ladakh’s people have registered their protest peacefully.
He cautioned the Centre that the people of Ladakh are angry and should hold serious talks with the leaders of Ladakh, especially on the two main demands—statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
“I request the authorities not to apply the tactics they are using elsewhere,” he said. He said all the detainees should be released and the families of the four people killed should be provided compensation and justice.
India