Leh Apex Body calls for peaceful rally on March 12

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has called for a peaceful rally on March 12 in Leh, citing delays in convening the next round of dialogue between Ladakh-based groups and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) over key issues concerning the Union Territory.

At a press conference, LAB members invited residents of Leh to participate in the rally, which they said would be conducted in a peaceful manner. The rally will also express solidarity with activists who were detained following the large-scale protests held in Ladakh in September last year.

Addressing the media in Leh, LAB leaders urged students, civil society organisations and various community groups to join the rally as a show of unity. They emphasised that the demonstration would remain peaceful and focus on highlighting the demands of the people of Ladakh.

The next round of talks between Ladakh-based groups — including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — and the MHA is still awaited.

Key issues expected to be discussed during the talks include the demand for Sixth Schedule status, statehood for Ladakh and other political and administrative concerns.

LAB members said the rally would serve as a platform for residents to voice their demands and urge the government to initiate dialogue to resolve the long-pending issues.