KDA backs Leh Apex body stand, says no talks with Centre till detainees freed

Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday said it will not participate in talks with the Centre till climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others arrested in Leh are released and a judicial probe into the firing is ordered.

Addressing a press conference here, KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai also demanded a judicial inquiry into the firing by the security forces during a shutdown in Leh on September 24.

KDA is a body of leaders from Kargil – one of the two districts in Ladakh - which, along with Leh Apex Body (LAB), is in negotiations with the Centre for statehood for the Union Territory.

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"We are constantly in touch with Leh Apex Body ... We will not participate in the talks with the Centre till Sonam Wangchuk is released, arrests are stopped, those arrested are released, and a judicial probe is ordered," Karbalai said.

"KDA dismisses all allegations of the UT administration and MHA, and we want to tell them that Sonam Wangchuk, who is a hero of the country, should be immediately released," Karbalai said.

The leader also condemned Ladakhis being called "anti-nationals" by certain people.

"We want to tell the government of India we don't need a certificate from anyone. We have sacrificed our lives for the country. Stop portraying Ladakhis as anti-national," he said.

Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa also said the locals were upset with the denunciatory term being used for them.

On Monday, the LAB announced suspension of talks with the Centre until a judicial inquiry into the police firing is constituted and all activists, including Wangchuk, are released unconditionally.

Its chairman, Thupstan Chhewang, and co-chairman, Chering Dorjay, said the restoration of a “conducive atmosphere” in Ladakh was necessary before resuming dialogue.

Four people were killed and scores of others were injured in clashes between protesters and security personnel, while over 50 people were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in rioting on September 24.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, the main face of the agitation, was also detained under the stringent NSA and lodged in a jail in Rajasthan's Jodhpur.