Legendary Olympian Carl Lewis to Represent Delhi Half Marathon 2025 as International Ambassador
KDA demands release of Sonam Wangchuk, judicial probe into September 24 police firing before resuming dialogue with the Union government
New Delhi, Sep 30: A day after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) announced a halt to talks with the Union government until peace and normalcy return to Ladakh, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) also declared on Tuesday that it will not engage in discussions with the Centre until activist Sonam Wangchuk is released.
KDA co-chairman Asgar Karbalai demanded a judicial inquiry into the September 24 police firing in Leh that claimed four lives. He added that all individuals arrested in connection with the unrest must be freed before dialogue can resume.
LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang said, “We have unanimously agreed that unless peace is restored in Ladakh, no talks can be held.” Both LAB and KDA have been advocating for statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule.
Violence erupted in Leh on September 24 during protests by Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike. Four people were killed, dozens injured, and incidents of arson and stone-pelting were reported, including attacks on local BJP and LAB offices. A CRPF vehicle was also set on fire amid allegations that personnel inside were in danger.
Following the unrest, Wangchuk ended his hunger strike and called for peace. He was subsequently arrested under the National Security Act (NSA), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revoked the FCRA registration of his Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) over alleged violations.
The MHA reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue. “Government has always been open for discussions on Ladakh matters with ABL and KDA. We will continue to welcome talks through the High Powered Committee on Ladakh or any other appropriate platform,” the release said.
The MHA also highlighted achievements under the existing dialogue framework, including increased reservations for Scheduled Tribes, women’s representation in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils, protection of local languages, and ongoing recruitment for 1,800 government posts. Authorities expressed confidence that continued engagement will yield constructive outcomes in the near future.
