Leh body ‘assured’ of judicial inquiry into Sept 24 violence

The Centre is learnt to have assured the Leh Apex Body (LAB) of a judicial probe into the September 24 violence in the town in which four persons were killed and nearly 100 injured.

The move could break the stalemate in talks between the Centre and two major groups from Ladakh — the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The talks had hit a roadblock after the groups put forth several demands, including a judicial probe into the killings.

Sources told The Tribune that the LAB had been assured by the Centre through “back channel” talks that a judicial probe would be ordered. LAB co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakruk confirmed the development.

Members of the LAB and the KDA, which have been leading the agitation for Ladakh’s statehood and the Sixth Schedule status, had earlier announced the suspension of the talks with the Centre.

Leaders of the two groups said on Monday that if the Centre ordered a judicial probe, it would pave the way for the resumption of the talks.

Detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has already stated that he is prepared to remain in jail until an independent judicial inquiry is ordered into the four deaths in Leh.

“It is up to the Centre to create a conducive environment for the talks by taking the required steps. We are ready to resume the dialogue, provided our demands are met,” said a leader from Ladakh.