The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the two organisations leading the campaign for constitutional protections in Ladakh, have withdrawn from the planned discussions with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) scheduled in New Delhi on September 30. The groups stated that “dialogue cannot take place under intimidation.”
The Ministry, in its response, said it remained open to engaging with the LAB and KDA through the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh or any other appropriate forum.
According to LAB representatives, the refusal to move forward stemmed from the government’s unwillingness to initiate a judicial investigation into the deaths of four people who lost their lives in police firing during the September 24 demonstrations in Leh.
LAB leader Mr. Lakruk alleged that security forces opened fire without authorization from the district magistrate. He said, “Our youth were shot directly in the head. A judicial probe is necessary. We have evidence of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) acting without due clearance.” He also mentioned that around 50 individuals have been taken into custody.
The September 30 meeting had been intended as an introductory round of talks in advance of the High Powered Committee’s dialogue on October 6.
Mr. Lakruk further added, “Unless the label of anti-nationals on our children is lifted, we will not engage in discussions with the government. The people of Ladakh will not accept this.”