Ladakh Crisis Deepens: Leh Apex Body Suspends Talks Following Wangchuk's Arrest and Protest Deaths

New Delhi:

The Apex Body, Leh, has suspended dialogue with the Indian government regarding their demands, insisting that actions against activists must be withdrawn first. Their decision cites several key concerns: Sonam Wangchuk's arrest under the National Security Act, the characterization of statehood protests as "anti-national," and the fatal shooting of protesters by security forces on September 24. As a result, the body has canceled their participation in the scheduled October 6 talks in Delhi.

The alliance, representing various religious, social, and political organizations from Buddhist-majority Leh, has established clear conditions for resuming negotiations. They demand a judicial inquiry into the killing of four young protesters by CRPF personnel and the withdrawal of cases against more than 50 arrested demonstrators.

In response, the government issued an evening statement reaffirming its openness to dialogue with both the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance at any time. The statement highlighted that the established High Powered Committee (HPC) has already achieved positive outcomes, including increased reservations for Ladakh's Scheduled Tribes, women's representation in LAHDCs, and protection of local languages. Additionally, the recruitment process for 1,800 government positions in the Union Territory has commenced. The government expressed confidence that continued dialogue would yield further positive results.

The Apex Body's core demands include statehood for Ladakh, constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule, employment opportunities for educated local youth, separate Lok Sabha representation for both Leh and Ladakh, and environmental safeguards for the region's fragile ecosystem.

Violence erupted during protests on September 24 during a hunger strike led by Wangchuk. Demonstrators reportedly damaged offices and set fire to BJP headquarters, prompting security forces to open fire. This resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries.

On Friday, authorities arrested Wangchuk under the National Security Act on allegations of inciting violence. He has since been transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The investigation has reportedly uncovered a potential Pakistan connection, with Ladakh's police chief referring to Wangchuk's previous visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as alleged contact with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative who was recently arrested.

"We also arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was in touch with him and was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Wangchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. There is a big question mark on him," stated Ladakh police chief SD Singh Jamwal.

Wangchuk, recipient of the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award, has denied all allegations against him.

His wife, social entrepreneur Gitanjali J Angmo, has defended her husband against these claims. She maintains that Wangchuk has been subjected to harassment and a "witch hunt" that began four years ago when he started advocating for a legislature in the Union Territory and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.