Leh Apex Body pulls out of talks with Indian govt
Srinagar: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Monday announced its decision to withdraw from the talks with the Indian government, scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the decision comes in the wake of the recent violence in Leh that led to the death of four individuals and injuries to over 50 others.
Senior LAB member Thupstan Chhewang addressing a press conference in Srinagar stated that the body had unanimously decided not to engage in discussions until certain conditions are met.
The conditions include a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence and the withdrawal of cases against the arrested persons.
Chhewang said peace and normalcy must be restored before any dialogue can take place.
He called upon the Indian Home Ministry, the Union Territory administration, and district authorities to take steps to address the current situation. “The terror and grief among the people must be addressed. Only after that can talks be considered,” he added.
The LAB also demanded the release of all individuals detained in connection with the September 24 incident, including environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk.
In a separate statement, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) echoed the LAB’s demands.
The KDA member, Sajjad Kargili, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Wangchuk, who has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, as well as other detained youth leaders.
The KDA also called for an impartial judicial probe into the violence, questioning the role of the administration, which it said had prior intelligence of possible unrest.
