Doors open for dialogue on Ladakh matters: MHA

New Delhi, Sep 29: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday said that the Centre remains open for dialogue on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time and the doors will always remain open.
In a statement, the MHA said, “The Government has always been open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time. We would continue to welcome the discussion with ABL and KDA through the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh or any such platform.”
“The dialogue mechanism established with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the HPC on Ladakh has yielded good results till date in the form of increased reservations to the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh, providing women reservation in LAHDCs and protection to local languages. The process of recruitment for 1800 posts in government has already commenced in UT of Ladakh,” it said, adding, “We are confident that continuous dialogue would yield the desired results in near future.”
Earlier in the day, the LAB announced its decision to withdraw from the talks with the Centre, scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi. The LAB demanded a judicial inquiry into last week’s violence and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested.
Pertinently, on September 24, there was violence during the protests over statehood demands during the hunger strike led by the environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protesters had gone on rampage, attacking offices and burning down the BJP office. The security personnel had opened fire, which left four people dead and more than 50 injured. Restrictions were imposed in the town after the violence and since then the relaxation is being given in phases and situation has remained calm.
On Friday, Wangchuk was arrested under the stringent National Security Act, accused of inciting the mob. He has been shifted to a jail in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur. A Pakistan angle has emerged in the probe against him, with the DGP Ladakh pointing to his visit to Pakistan and the arrest of a Pakistani Intelligence Operative.
“We also arrested a Pakistan PIO in the recent past who was in touch with him and was reporting back across. We have a record of this. He (Wangchuk) had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan. He also visited Bangladesh. There is a big question mark on him,” Ladakh Police Chief SD Singh Jamwal had said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a high-level review meeting on the prevailing law and order situation in the Union Territory on Monday.
According to the details available, the meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Rajesh Kumar, Additional Director General, CRPF; and senior officers of the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were present.
The officers briefed the Lt Governor on the latest developments, preparedness measures, and coordination among agencies to maintain peace and order in the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor took a detailed assessment of the ground situation in view of the recent developments and the relaxation of restrictions in certain areas. He expressed appreciation for the responsible conduct of the people, who have largely cooperated with the administration in maintaining calm and discipline during the sensitive period. “The people of Ladakh have shown remarkable maturity, restraint, and commitment to peace even in challenging circumstances. Their patience and cooperation reflect the true spirit of harmony that defines our region,” the LG said.
While acknowledging the role of security forces, police, and local administration for their coordinated efforts in ensuring normalcy, LG Gupta urged officials to remain vigilant, responsive, and people-friendly in their approach. He emphasised that law and order must be enforced firmly yet sensitively, keeping in mind the welfare and sentiments of the local population.
The Lieutenant Governor also issued clear directions for enhanced intelligence gathering, regular community engagement, and swift redressal of public grievances to strengthen trust between the administration and the citizens. He called upon youth to channel their energies towards constructive nation-building and assured that every legitimate concern of the people will be addressed through dialogue and democratic means.
Appealing to the people of Ladakh, LG Gupta said, “Peace is the cornerstone of development. I urge all sections of society to maintain unity and harmony and not fall prey to the designs of anti-social and anti-national elements. The administration stands firmly with the people and will ensure their safety, dignity, and progress.”
Reiterating his government’s commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s unique culture and aspirations, the Lt Governor affirmed that sustained peace and stability will pave the way for accelerated growth and opportunities in the region. (KNO)