Srinagar: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday urged the Centre to engage in talks with the people of Ladakh to address their aspirations, following violent clashes in Leh over statehood demands.
Abdullah said, “Ladakh is a border region. China is watching, and some areas have already been occupied. It’s crucial that the government resolves this quickly through dialogue.”
Responding to the government’s allegations against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the unrest, Abdullah defended him, saying, “Wangchuk has always followed Gandhian principles. The youth have moved in a different direction, and he cannot be held responsible. When the BJP lost elections, they imposed safety laws and detained people. Now they are involving the CBI. Using force only increases risk. I urge the government not to resort to force but to engage in dialogue.”
The clashes on Wednesday, during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) supporting Ladakh’s statehood demand, left four people dead and at least 80 injured.
