LADAKH CRISIS: LBA, KDA seek unconditional release of those arrested, including Wangchuk; say no to talks

STC NEWS DESK
LEH, SEPTEMBER 30 (STC) : The Leh Apex Body (LAB) in a press conference held today has announced to withdraw from the talks with the central government. The Association has demanded release of all those arrested on September 24 , including environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk. Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has also supported the demand of the LBA.
Notably, the talks were scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi.
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, LBA said.
Senior LAB member Thupstan Chhewang told media persons that the body had unanimously decided not to engage in discussions until certain conditions are met.
These include a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested.
He said that peace and normalcy must be restored before any dialogue can take place.
He called on the Union 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 said.
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.
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.
(Straight Talk Communications)