Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, Oct 14: Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) core committee held a meeting here today to deliberate on the ongoing situation in Ladakh and decide the next course of action to press for the region’s demands.
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At a press briefing, Leh Apex Body Co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook informed that the two bodies had placed certain conditions in writing before the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for resumption of dialogue. These include the non-negotiable constitution of a judicial inquiry under the chairmanship of a retired Supreme Court Judge, discussion on Statehood and Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, unconditional release of all detainees including Sonam Wangchuk who is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail under the NSA, and compensation for the next of kin of those martyred and for the injured.
Dorjay said the two organisations will not wait for the MHA’s response but will soon hold peaceful silent protests to express their anguish. “In the coming days, we will organise silent marches across Ladakh from 10 am to 12 pm, wearing black armbands, without causing harm to anyone. We will also break BNS 163 being imposed. The schedule will be communicated later,” he said. Click here to watch video
He added that these protests will take place in both Leh and Kargil districts, and from 6 pm to 9 pm, a complete blackout will be observed in every household as a mark of protest. “This is how we will register our anger. Harassment continues as people, including Nambardars, are still being summoned to police stations. People are afraid to even comment on social media due to fear of police action. The situation is not normal,” Dorjay added.
KDA leader Asgar Ali Kabalai said, “Pressure tactics are still being applied, but we will not be cowed down by such attempts to intimidate us.”
MP Ladakh Haji Hanifa Jan condemned the remarks by the LG and DGP Ladakh labelling Ladakhis as anti-national. He said that the four martyrs will always be remembered in Ladakh’s history, hoped for justice, and supported compensation for their next of kin.
The joint press conference was attended by MP Ladakh Haji Hanifa Jan, KDA Co-chairman Qamar Ali Akhone (virtually), Leh Apex Body Co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, President Ladakh Gonpa Association Gyen Stanzin Dorjay, Asgar Ali Kabalai, Sajjad Kargili, Dr Abdul Qayum, and Ashraf Ali Barcha.
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