VOL News Desk/ The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced it will not engage in talks with the Centre until all detained activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, are released and a judicial probe is launched into the recent police firing in Leh.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, KDA co-chairperson Asgar Ali Karbalai said, “We will not be part of any discussions with the Centre until Sonam Wangchuk is released, arrests are stopped, and a judicial inquiry into the September 24 incident is initiated.”

Karbalai also condemned the government’s portrayal of Ladakhi protesters as ‘anti-national,’ calling it an insult to those who have long contributed to national service.

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“We don’t need certificates of patriotism. Stop branding Ladakhis as anti-national,” he said.

Backing the stance of Apex Body Leh, which suspended dialogue with the Centre on Monday, the KDA said a “conducive atmosphere” must be restored in Ladakh before any talks can continue.

Apex Body Leh leaders Thupstan Chhewang and Chering Dorjay echoed this demand, insisting that all detained activists be released unconditionally and the firing incident be probed impartially.

The September 24 clashes between security forces and protesters during a shutdown in Leh left four dead and dozens injured.

Over 50 people were detained, including Wangchuk, who was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail.

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Kargil Democratic Alliance Halts Talks with Centre Pending Release of Detained Activists and Judicial Probe
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has taken a firm stance, declaring a suspension of any dialogue with the Central government until a set of key demands are met. Chief among these is the unconditional release of all detained activists, including renowned education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who was recently booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail. KDA co-chairperson Asgar Ali Karbalai stated unequivocally on Tuesday that discussions would cease until arrests are halted and a judicial inquiry is initiated into the security forces’ firing incident in Leh on September 24th, which tragically resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. The KDA’s position aligns with the decision by the Apex Body Leh, which also recently suspended talks, collectively stressing the necessity of a “conducive atmosphere” for any future negotiations.

The KDA further used the platform to strongly condemn the government’s characterization of Ladakhi protestors as ‘anti-national,’ asserting that such labeling is an insult to a populace with a long history of national service and patriotism. Karbalai directly challenged this narrative, stating, “We don’t need certificates of patriotism. Stop branding Ladakhis as anti-national.” This criticism highlights a growing frustration among local leaders regarding the response to the recent widespread demonstrations. Over 50 people were detained in the aftermath of the September 24th clashes, intensifying the demand for transparency and accountability regarding the police action.

Echoing the KDA’s demand, Apex Body Leh leaders Thupstan Chhewang and Chering Dorjay have also insisted on the immediate, unconditional release of all detained activists and a swift, impartial investigation into the fatal firing incident. The combined and unified position of the KDA and the Apex Body Leh signals a significant escalation in the ongoing civil unrest and effectively places the onus on the Centre to de-escalate the situation by addressing the concerns related to detentions and the use of force, thereby restoring the trust required to resume a meaningful dialogue on the region’s future.