Leh/New Delhi: The political temperature in Ladakh has spiked after the Apex Body Chairman Dorje demanded a judicial probe by a retired Supreme Court judge into the Leh violence, where four youths were killed. Dorje made it clear at a press conference that such an inquiry was a precondition for any talks with the government.
The violence, which erupted during what was planned as a peaceful march, has triggered a storm of allegations and counter-allegations.
Lieutenant Governor and the DGP of Leh sparked further anger by suggesting that foreign hands and even Pakistan’s involvement could not be ruled out. They also claimed that “anti-national” elements had infiltrated the protests.
These remarks have left Ladakh’s leadership fuming. “To call our youths anti-nationals is an insult to Ladakh’s loyalty to the nation. Our children are students, not criminals.
They were gunned down without even a magistrate’s order,” Dorje said, adding that CRPF fired directly at chest and head level without warning.
The Apex Body also slammed the administration for using the arrest of Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk as a diversionary tactic. Wangchuk, who had been fasting peacefully for Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional safeguards, was picked up under charges the leaders called “fabricated and baseless.” They demanded his immediate release.
The leaders further alleged that over 50 youths, including students facing exams, have been detained and falsely charged under draconian sections. They warned that unless cases are withdrawn and all detainees released, they will boycott any dialogue with the Centre.
At the heart of their anger is not just the killings but also the attempt, as they allege, to paint Ladakh’s struggle for constitutional rights, Sixth Schedule safeguards, and statehood as a “secessionist movement.”
“Had the government acted on our long-pending demands instead of delaying talks, this bloodshed would not have happened. The responsibility lies with the administration,” Dorje said.
With tempers running high, Ladakh’s Apex Body has now hardened its stand: no talks until a judicial probe is announced, detainees are freed, and the smear campaign branding their youth as anti-national is withdrawn.
