Leh, Oct 1 – The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday announced it would not engage in talks with the Centre until detained activists, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, are released and a judicial probe is launched into the September 24 police firing in Leh that killed four protesters and injured dozens.
KDA co-chairperson Asgar Ali Karbalai told reporters, “We will not be part of any discussions with the Centre until Sonam Wangchuk is released, arrests are stopped, and a judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident is initiated.”
He condemned the government’s portrayal of Ladakhi protesters as “anti-national,” calling it deeply insulting.
“We don’t need certificates of patriotism. Stop branding Ladakhis as anti-national,” he said.
Apex Body Leh Backs Boycott
The KDA move came a day after Apex Body Leh (ABL) also suspended dialogue with the Centre, demanding a “conducive atmosphere” before any talks.
Leaders Thupstan Chhewang and Chering Dorjay echoed calls for the unconditional release of detainees and an impartial probe into the firing.
The September 24 clashes erupted during a shutdown in Leh over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. Four protesters were killed when police and paramilitary forces opened fire, while over 50 people were detained, including Wangchuk. He has since been booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail.
Wangchuk’s Wife Rejects Allegations
On Tuesday, Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo strongly refuted allegations made by Ladakh Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal, who suggested the activist had links with Pakistan.
“We strongly condemn the Ladakh DGP’s statements. Not only I, but everyone in Ladakh denounces those allegations,” she told ANI.
Calling the police firing “very unfortunate,” she questioned the role of security forces:
“Who gave the CRPF orders to open fire? Who shoots at their own people, their own citizens? Especially in an area where there has never been a violent demonstration.”
She insisted her husband only engaged in peaceful protests and was on a hunger strike at the time.
“What could Sonam Wangchuk have instigated? He had no idea about all this,” she said.
Angmo accused police of pushing an “agenda” to avoid implementing the Sixth Schedule and making her husband a scapegoat.
“They don’t want to implement the Sixth Schedule under any circumstances and want to make someone a scapegoat,” she added.