The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has issued a stern warning of escalating its peaceful agitation should the upcoming September 9 talks with a Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sub-committee in New Delhi fail to deliver concrete resolutions and tangible actions on its long-standing demands. Gelek Phunchok, the convenor of the LAB, emphasized that this meeting is not merely another procedural discussion but a critical test of the central government’s commitment to addressing Ladakh‘s concerns after years of dialogue and repeated assurances.
The confirmation of the meeting came from Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Thursday. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the LAB is approaching these crucial discussions with an open and constructive mindset. However, the organization expects the government to present a well-defined draft proposing a “tailor-made, sui generis constitutional framework” for Ladakh. This framework, they hope, will draw upon the safeguards provided under Articles 371(A-K) of the Constitution, a move aimed at securing a Legislative Assembly for the Union Territory endowed with adequate legislative, financial, and executive powers.
Beyond the quest for constitutional safeguards and legislative empowerment, the LAB has also put forth other significant demands. These include the immediate withdrawal of cases registered in connection with the violence that occurred on September 24 of the previous year, provision of compensation for the victims and their families, and the swift publication of the inquiry commission’s report. The incidents on September 24, which transpired during protests in Ladakh, resulted in four fatalities and galvanized renewed mobilization around the region’s political and constitutional aspirations. The LAB has since been persistently advocating for decisive action on the cases filed in relation to these events and for compensation to be extended to those affected.
Phunchok articulated that the people of Ladakh have demonstrated remarkable patience over the past few years, consistently opting for dialogue and democratic engagement over confrontational approaches. He cautioned, however, that this patience should not be misconstrued as weakness, nor can dialogue continue indefinitely without yielding concrete outcomes. The LAB intends to evaluate the September 9 meeting based on its results, rather than relying on mere assurances or statements. Phunchok stated that if the government exhibits genuine political will and presents a clear, time-bound roadmap for addressing these issues, the Apex Body will acknowledge such progress positively. Conversely, he warned that a failure to produce concrete answers and substantive action would leave the LAB with no viable alternative but to intensify its movement. “We will have no option but to intensify our peaceful and democratic movement,” he declared. Phunchok concluded by asserting that the responsibility for any subsequent developments would rest entirely with the seriousness and sincerity with which the government approaches the September 9 dialogue, emphasizing that Ladakh has waited long enough and the time for concrete action has arrived. The forthcoming meeting on September 9 takes place against a backdrop of several recent decisions announced by the Union government and the Ladakh administration concerning the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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