In Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has declared that it will not participate in talks with New Delhi until all detainees, including renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, are released and a judicial probe is ordered into the killings in Leh.  According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing a press conference in Kargil, KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai strongly condemned the brutal firing by Indian forces on September 24 that left four protesters dead and scores injured in Leh.

He said Sonam Wangchuk’s only “crime” was that he raised his voice for the constitutional rights of Ladakhis and for protecting the fragile Himalayan environment.  Karbalai rejected the allegations levelled by the occupation authorities against the people of Ladakh, saying, “We don’t need a certificate of nationalism from anyone.”   Ladakh’s Member of Parliament, Mohmad Haneefa, also denounced the derogatory labels used against locals, stressing that the entire population stood hurt and humiliated by such remarks. 

The KDA statement came a day after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) announced suspension of dialogue with India, demanding a judicial inquiry into the police firing and unconditional release of all activists. LAB leaders Thupstan Chhewang and Chering Dorjay said no talks were possible until a “conducive atmosphere” was restored in Ladakh.  It is worth mentioning that more than 50 people were arrested following the September 24 protests, while Sonam Wangchuk has been booked under the draconian National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)