New Delhi: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday addressed a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi, calling for an impartial judicial probe into the recent violence in Ladakh that left four dead and scores injured. The leaders also demanded the unconditional release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other detained youth leaders, accusing the government of pursuing a campaign of repression against peaceful protesters.
Senior KDA members, including co-chairman Asghar Karbalai and Sajjad Kargali, joined by Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan and civil society representatives, condemned the September 24 violence in Leh where security forces allegedly used excessive force on demonstrators demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. “What happened in Leh was not just an attack on protesters but on democracy itself,” said Karbalai. “We demand a judicial probe headed by a sitting or retired judge to establish the truth behind the killings and injuries.”
The alliance, which has been jointly pressing for constitutional safeguards along with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), announced that it would suspend all talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) until the government withdraws cases against its members and activists. “There will be no further dialogue until our detained colleagues are released and the intimidation against our supporters ends,” the leaders declared.
Much of the press conference centred around the detention of Sonam Wangchuk, the noted education reformist and environmental campaigner who was taken into custody in the aftermath of the Leh protests. The KDA alleged that the government was attempting to “silence” voices that advocate peaceful, democratic means of protest.
“Sonam Wangchuk’s only crime is that he spoke for the people of Ladakh, for their right to constitutional protections, and for safeguarding the fragile environment of the Himalayas,” Asghar Karbalai said. “His detention is unjust, and we demand his immediate release.”
Other speakers echoed the sentiment, saying Wangchuk’s international reputation had brought global attention to Ladakh’s ecological and political concerns. “Instead of listening to him, the government has chosen to muzzle him. This is unacceptable,” the members said.
The alliance accused the Centre of deliberately dragging its feet on the issue of Ladakh’s constitutional status. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Ladakh has remained without legislative or constitutional safeguards. Both the KDA and LAB have consistently demanded full statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to protect land, jobs, and culture.
“The government promised us protections, but years have passed without any meaningful action. Instead of dialogue, we are facing bullets, detentions, and cases,” the leaders told reporters.
The decision to suspend dialogue with the MHA is seen as a significant escalation in Ladakh’s ongoing agitation. Talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre were considered the main avenue for resolving differences, but the withdrawal signals growing mistrust.
The KDA’s press conference highlighted broader concerns over the government’s approach to dissent in Ladakh. The KDA alleged that even individuals who had earlier supported the Union Territory status were now facing charges under stringent laws. “Even former BJP supporters have been booked under UAPA and NSA for questioning the government’s policies. This is a dangerous trend.”
The alliance also sought to draw attention to what it described as Ladakh’s “growing sense of betrayal” since 2019. “When Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory, people were promised development and empowerment. But today, there is greater alienation and anger. Jobs are scarce, resources are being exploited, and our voices are ignored,” said Sajjad Kargali.
KDA leaders emphasised their commitment to peaceful means of protest. “We will not allow Ladakh to be turned into another conflict zone. Our struggle is democratic, peaceful, and rooted in constitutional principles,” he added.
The leaders announced plans to intensify peaceful campaigns, including public meetings, awareness drives, and delegations to national and international forums, to highlight Ladakh’s demands. [KNT]
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