Kargil Democratic Alliance Demands Impartial Probe into Leh Clashes, Defends Sonam Wangchuk
Kargil: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Thursday called for an impartial investigation into the recent clashes between protesters and security forces in Leh, Ladakh. The alliance also urged the Union Territory administration to end what it described as “witch-hunting” and harassment of locals.
The KDA defended climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who the government accused of making “provocative statements” that allegedly sparked the violence. The alliance expressed condolences to the families of the four protesters who were killed, calling them “heroes of Ladakh.”
“Instead of managing the situation properly, the administration used excessive force against unarmed protesters. We demand a thorough probe and legal action against those who ordered the firing,” KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said.
The Leh Apex Body and KDA have been leading an agitation over the past four years, advocating for demands including statehood for Ladakh, and have held multiple rounds of talks with the government.
Karbalai, joined by KDA senior members including Ladakh MP Hanifa Jan and leader Sajjad Kargili, called the government’s handling of the situation “rubbing salt into our wounds.”
He added, “The UT administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs share responsibility. We have been peacefully agitating for over five years for statehood, Sixth Schedule extension, a public service commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil. Hunger strikes, demonstrations, and long marches have been ignored, pushing our youth to desperation.”
He highlighted delays in talks promised by the Centre after May 27. “Despite consecutive hunger strikes in Kargil and Leh, the Centre remained silent. Wangchuk’s hunger strike, ongoing since September 10, was met with a scheduled meeting only on October 6, after 11 days. Two elderly participants fell seriously ill, raising public concern.”
Karbalai added, “The government’s attempt to blame Wangchuk and others is baseless. This is a failure of both the UT administration and the Ministry of Home Affairs, which did not take necessary security precautions in advance.”
MP Hanifa Jan said, “The people of Ladakh feel ignored after the MHA failed to convene the next round of talks. The government must stop harassing youth, conduct a fair investigation, and resume dialogue in earnest to resolve pending demands.”
Sajjad Kargili criticized the government’s policies, saying, “Frustration grew due to unemployment. While the BJP promised Sixth Schedule extension in its manifesto, it has failed to deliver. We do not condone violence, but the government must act wisely and restart talks.”
KDA leaders also accused authorities of targeting Leh Apex Body members and detaining youth en masse, calling for an immediate end to such actions.
“They [the people of Ladakh] stand with the families of the four who lost their lives. Their sacrifice will always be remembered,” Karbalai concluded.
