New Delhi, Sep 30: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday announced it will not engage in talks with the Central government until climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others detained in Leh are released and a judicial inquiry into the police firing during the September 24 shutdown is conducted.
Addressing a press conference, KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai emphasized, “We are in constant touch with the Apex Body Leh. We will not participate in talks with the Centre until Sonam Wangchuk is freed, arrests are halted, detainees are released, and a judicial probe is ordered.”
Karbalai also rejected allegations by the Union Territory administration and Ministry of Home Affairs, calling Wangchuk “a hero of the country” whose immediate release is necessary. He condemned the portrayal of Ladakhis as “anti-national,” stressing, “We don’t need a certificate from anyone. We have sacrificed our lives for the country. Stop labeling Ladakhis as anti-national.”
Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa echoed concerns over the offensive term being used for local residents.
This comes after Apex Body Leh announced on Monday that talks with the Centre would be suspended until a judicial inquiry is ordered and all detained activists, including Wangchuk, are released unconditionally. Chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay stated that a “conducive atmosphere” in Ladakh is necessary before dialogue can resume.
The September 24 clashes between protesters and security forces left four people dead and many injured, with over 50 individuals taken into custody. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a central figure in the agitation, remains lodged in Jodhpur jail under the National Security Act (NSA).