Stakeholders doubt govt’s intent; say ‘trust deficit still persists, talks must be result-oriented’
Arteev Sharma
Jammu: A month after Ladakh witnessed its worst spell of violence in recent history that claimed four lives and left nearly 90 injured, the region has slowly returned to normalcy but a deep sense of mistrust continues to prevail among the people despite the Union Government’s announcement of a judicial probe and the resumption of long-stalled talks with Ladakhi leaders.
Ladakh’s stakeholders have described the resumption of dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a “positive step”, but remain skeptical about the Centre’s seriousness in addressing their long-standing demands. Many feel that “if the renewed dialogue fails to yield tangible outcomes, it could further alienate Ladakhis who are still reeling from the shock of the September 24 incident”.
“No violence has been reported since the unfortunate incident that took place on September 24, but the situation remains tense. Anger among the people still persists,” said Chering Dorjay Lakruk, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), while talking to The News Now.
“On the negative side, our youth and leaders, including Sonam Wangchuk, remain in detention and are being denied bail, while victims’ families have received no compensation. On the positive side, the government has ordered a judicial probe and resumed the dialogue process,” he said.
Lakruk said that people across Ladakh held prayers and Pooja in all monasteries on Friday to honour those who lost their lives in the violence. “Their sacrifice will always be remembered. The dialogue has started on a positive note, and it appears the government is a bit serious this time,” he added.
He, however, cautioned that the trust deficit has deepened over the past month. “Our youth are still being harassed, and the government has not said anything about dignified compensation for those killed or injured in the firing by security forces,” he said.
The LAB, he added, has informed the MHA that a judicial inquiry alone will not restore the shaken faith of Ladakhis and that additional confidence-building measures are needed.
Senior leader of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) Sajjad Kargili said, “As we solemnly mark one month since the unfortunate incident in Leh on 24 September, we pay our deepest tribute to those who lost their lives. Their sacrifice reminds us of the need for justice, peace, and dialogue”.
“We sincerely hope that the Government will consider the early release of all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, to help create a more conducive and trustful environment for the forthcoming talks,” he said.
Four people were killed and 90 others injured when a bandh call given by the youth wing of the LAB turned violent on September 24. Following the violence, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Leh and restrictions in other parts of Ladakh.
The stalled dialogue between the MHA and representatives of Ladakh resumed on October 22 in New Delhi—nearly five months after talks were last held. The Leh Apex Body and the KDA jointly reiterated their core demands—granting Ladakh statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. They also sought compensation for the victims’ families, revocation of the NSA imposed on climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and release of all detainees.
Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, president of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, Leh, said the entire region is still grieving and mourning the killing of four persons.
“It has been a depressing time for all Ladakhis. The tourism sector has been badly affected, and the number of visitors has fallen sharply, especially with the onset of winter. But people are not talking about economic losses anymore; they just want justice,” she said.
Lachic added that the killings and a subsequent suicide have left the community shattered. “Stakeholders are under financial stress, but emotions are stronger than economics right now. So far, only the first round of talks has taken place. If nothing positive emerges from this exercise, it will be worse for Ladakh,” she said.
