'No dialogue till cases withdrawn': Leh Apex Body withdraws from talks with Central government after Leh violence

September 29, 2025 by News Desk

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday announced its decision to pull out of the scheduled talks with the central government, citing the recent violence in Leh that left four people dead and over 50 injured. The talks were to be held on October 6 in New Delhi.

At a press conference, senior LAB leader Thupstan Chhewang said the decision was unanimous.

He stressed that no dialogue would be possible until certain preconditions were met, including a judicial inquiry into the September 24 clashes and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested.

“Peace and normalcy must be restored before any discussions can take place. The terror and grief among the people must be addressed,” Chhewang said, urging the Union Home Ministry, the Union Territory administration, and local authorities to take urgent steps.

The LAB also demanded the release of all detainees linked to the incident, including prominent environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur jail.

Restrictions remain in place in Leh following the September 24 clashes, which erupted during a shutdown called by a LAB constituent. The body has been campaigning for Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) echoed LAB’s demands. KDA leader Sajjad Kargili called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Wangchuk and other youth leaders, while also demanding a judicial probe into the violence.

He questioned the role of the administration, alleging it had prior intelligence about possible unrest but failed to act