Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, May 1: A delegation of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), comprising MP Ladakh Hanifa Jan, CEC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, former MP and LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, and LAB member & climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Leh last evening.
The delegation raised key demands concerning Ladakh and urged the Home Minister to convene the High-Power Committee (HPC) meeting in Leh itself under his chairmanship. However, the request was not accepted. According to Chering Dorjay Lakrook, the delegation had gone into the meeting with high expectations but found the outcome “not very productive.”
The Home Minister informed the delegation that discussions would first take place in the sub-committee meeting scheduled for May 22, and that the HPC meeting would follow due procedure thereafter.
Dorjay also informed that Joint Secretary, Home Affairs, in charge of Ladakh and J&K, Lokande, has been meeting various leaders in Leh individually. “I was also called for a meeting, but I did not go as we had decided not to engage individually,” he said.
Sonam Wangchuk said the Home Minister informed the delegation that his visit this time was purely spiritual. He added that while the delegation appreciated being invited for the meeting, they were disappointed over the lack of concrete progress. He, however, expressed hope that discussions would move forward in a positive way after the May 22 sub-committee meeting.
Wangchuk further said the delegation raised concerns about “healing the wounds of Ladakhis,” withdrawal of cases, and those injured during the protests. He said the Home Minister indicated that these issues could be addressed after the May 22 meeting. He hoped these will not be made conditions for the talks. “We are disappointed, but we hope things will improve,” he concluded.
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