Daijiworld Media Network - Leh

Leh, Sept 29: The Leh Apex Body has declared that all dialogue with the Central government will stay on hold until normalcy returns to Ladakh. Chairman Thupstan Chhewang said the region is gripped by fear, grief, and anger, and unless these emotions are addressed, no negotiations can proceed.

“We have unanimously decided that unless peace is restored here, there can be no talks,” Chhewang stated. He urged the Union Home Ministry and the Union Territory administration to act swiftly to calm tensions.

Simultaneously, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) accused the Centre of alienating Ladakh’s people. They demanded the immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other youth detained after the recent violence in Leh.

Both the KDA and the Leh Apex Body have long campaigned for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. They also hold the UT administration accountable for the deaths of four protesters and injuries to many—including security forces during the September 24 unrest.

During the clash, demonstrators allegedly torched a CRPF vehicle, the local BJP office, the Leh Apex Body office, and damaged the vehicle of the DGP.

Wangchuk, who had been on hunger strike since September 10, broke his fast when violence escalated. He was later arrested under the National Security Act and transferred to Jodhpur Jail. In a related move, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the FCRA registration of SECMOL, the education and cultural movement founded by Wangchuk, citing serious violations.