Uncertainty looms over talks between Delhi, Ladakh groups

With only two days left for the scheduled talks between Delhi and Ladakh groups, uncertainty looms over the talks as the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has put forth fresh demands, including a judicial probe into last week’s violence in which four people were killed in firing by security forces.

Days after the violence, the Leh Apex Body on Monday had announced suspension of talks with the Centre — a move which was also supported by KDA.

On Friday, Leh Apex Body leaders told The Tribune that it was the central government that has to agree and fulfil the demands so that further talks could be held.

“In the present scenario, it is very difficult to move ahead and hold talks. The government should announce a probe into the September 24 killings and also agree to other demands, so that the overall process moves ahead and core demands are discussed,” said a leader.

Apart from a judicial probe, the other fresh demands include release of all detained persons and compensation to injured persons.

Violence broke out last week during a hunger strike by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, when protesters, mostly youth, torched the BJP office, the Leh Hill Council building and several vehicles. Security forces opened fire, resulting in four deaths.

After nearly four months of stalled talks, the Home Ministry had on September 20 extended an invitation to the LAB and KDA, which have been spearheading the agitation for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

Ahead of October 6 talks, representatives from Ladakh comprising LAB and KDA members were expected to hold a preparatory meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. But they didn’t hold the meeting and instead put forth fresh demands.

On Thursday, LAB leaders had conveyed to Delhi that in order to move forward, the fresh demands should be met. This comes after a senior leader of LAB was contacted by Delhi as part of reach-out and to bring leaders on the table.

“We are ready for future talks only if the government agrees to our fresh demands,” said LAB sources on Friday. “Right now, the ball is in the central government’s court. Let us see what the government decides and accordingly, we will decide on the future action.”

Amid the central government officials reaching out to Ladakh leaders, 26 people were released on interim bail on Thursday. Mohd Shafi Lassu, president of Bar Association, Leh, said on Friday that bail of more people is listed and he hoped that the court would grant them bail during the hearing in Leh on Saturday.