Srinagar, Sept 30: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday demanded an impartial judicial probe into the September 24 violence in Ladakh that claimed four lives and left dozens injured, while also calling for the immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other detained youth leaders.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India, senior KDA leaders, including co-chairman Asghar Karbalai, Sajjad Kargali, and MP Haji Hanifa Jan, accused the government of unleashing repression against peaceful protesters who were pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
“What happened in Leh was not just an attack on protesters but on democracy itself,” Karbalai said, urging a judicial inquiry led by a sitting or retired judge to establish accountability for the killings and injuries.
The alliance announced it would suspend talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) until all cases against its members and activists were withdrawn. “There will be no further dialogue until our detained colleagues are released and intimidation ends,” the leaders declared.
Much of the focus remained on Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act. “His only crime is speaking for Ladakh’s people, their rights, and the fragile Himalayan environment. His detention is unjust,” Karbalai said, adding that instead of listening to his concerns, the government was trying to “silence” him.
The KDA accused the Centre of dragging its feet on Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards since the abrogation of Article 370 and the region’s conversion into a Union Territory in 2019. “Promises were made, but years have passed without action. Instead of dialogue, we face bullets and detentions,” said Sajjad Kargali, warning of a “growing sense of betrayal.”
The leaders also claimed that even former BJP supporters in Ladakh were being targeted under stringent laws such as the UAPA and NSA.
Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful protest, the KDA announced plans to step up non-violent campaigns, including public meetings, awareness drives, and delegations to national and international forums. “We will not allow Ladakh to become another conflict zone. Our struggle will remain democratic and constitutional,” the leaders asserted.
