The Kargil Democratic Alliance, which is involved in the protests in Ladakh, said that it will not hold talks with the centre until Sonam Wangchuk and other leaders are released from the probe.
Asgar Ali Karbalai, the chief of KDA, on Tuesday, informed the media that the alliance will not negotiate with the government unless they release Sonam Wangchuk and also initiate a judicial probe into the incident on 24th September. He also targeted the government for labelling the protestors as anti-national, whereas in reality, they have contributed a lot to the service of the nation.
He also backed the stance of Apex Body Leh, which had earlier refused to a dialogue with the government and called for peace in the valley before talks could take place. Thupstan Chhewang and Chering Dorjay, the Apex Body Leh leaders, stated that the activists should be released at the earliest and the shootings should be investigated impartially.
A massive crash took place between security forces and the protestors on 24th September, which led to the death of four people and left many injured. The violence led to the arrest of 50 people, including activist Sonam Wanghchuk. The accused are arrested under the National Security Act and are kept in Jodhpur jail.
A meeting of the protesting parties with the Home Ministry was to be held on 30th September or 1st October, and another high-level meeting was scheduled for 6th October, but the parties’ insistence on the release of the activists has led to more tension between the two sides.
Earlier, the ABL leaders had insisted that the Home Ministry and the administration in the union territory take steps to bring back normalcy in the valley by reducing fear and terror. The KDA and ABL leaders emphasised building trust and confidence of the people, and also adhering to their demands of statehood. The union territory of Ladakh has been fighting for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for several years, which has led to chaos and violent protests in the region.
