Chering Dorje Lakruk, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), confirmed that the talks will take place with a sub-committee of the Union Home Ministry. The delegation will include three members each from the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), along with Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan and their legal advisor.
Background
Violence broke out in Leh on September 24 during a shutdown called by LAB, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. Over 70 people were detained, and activist Sonam Wangchuk was booked under the National Security Act (NSA). In the aftermath, the LAB boycotted an earlier meeting scheduled for October 6, demanding certain conditions be met before resuming talks.
Their demands included compensation for the victims’ families, release of those arrested, and a judicial inquiry into the incident. On Friday, the Centre responded by forming a judicial commission led by a former Supreme Court judge to probe the violence.
Next steps
Lakruk expressed optimism about the upcoming dialogue, hoping for “constructive outcomes.” The LAB delegation will be headed by former MP Thupstan Chhewang, while KDA’s team will be led by co-chairmen Qamar Ali Akhoon and Asgar Ali Karbalai.
Depending on the progress of this round, a follow-up meeting will be held with the high-level committee chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
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