Hold meet before July 15 or will join hunger strike: Leh Apex Body to MHA

The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which is leading the talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has issued a warning that if the next round of talks is not held before July 15, the body will join the scheduled hunger strike of educationist Sonam Wangchuk demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule for the region.

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Members from Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and LAB representing both the districts – Leh and Kargil – of the Union Territory of Ladakh hold regular talks with a high-powered committee (HPC) constituted by the MHA. While the MHA has proposed July 28 as the date for the next meeting, LAB states that it should be held early.

“As previously communicated, the Leh Apex Body has unanimously resolved to extend its full support and active participation in the forthcoming fast unto death announced by Sonam Wangchuk, should the proposed meeting between the LAB, KDA, and the MHA not be convened before July 15,” LAB stated.

It added that in preparation for this significant civil action, the LAB has formally requested all namdarbars across Leh district, along with the respective block presidents, to hold consultations and coordinate on the next course of action during the period of the fast.

The LAB has also appealed to the people to voluntary join the fast alongside Sonam Wangchuk. “Willing individuals may submit their names to any LAB member and organising committee representative,” it stated.

LAB further stated that this is a crucial moment in Ladakh’s journey toward constitutional justice and democratic empowerment. “We believe that such rights cannot be realised without the collective strength of our people and the unshakable demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. We remain hopeful that the people of Ladakh will unite in strength and spirit, standing firm with the Apex Body and our shared demands,” the LAB stated.