The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has followed the Apex Body Leh (ABL) in withdrawing from talks with the central government, demanding a judicial probe into the September 24th firing by security forces in Leh, which resulted in the deaths of four protesters and injuries to over 80 others.

The KDA and ABL have been jointly advocating for four key demands: statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and job opportunities for local residents. These demands have been central to discussions with the government, but recent events have led to a reconsideration of their participation in negotiations.

The decision to withdraw from talks follows the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakhi activist, and the subsequent unrest in the region. The leaders of both the LAB and KDA have criticized the government for ignoring their calls for Ladakh's statehood and constitutional safeguards. They argue that the Union Territory status, implemented after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, has failed to meet the aspirations of the local population.

KDA leader Sajjad Kargili emphasized the growing sense of "alienation and betrayal" among the people of Ladakh, stating that they should not be pushed to the wall. He further highlighted the importance of accountability regarding the firing on protesters, emphasizing the need for democracy. The LAB and KDA are also demanding an official apology from the government for labeling Ladakhi protestors as "anti-national" and accusing them of "playing in Pakistan's hands".

The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to dialogue with the LAB and KDA to address the issues in Ladakh. Despite the recent protests and the KDA's refusal to engage in talks until favorable conditions are restored, the Home Ministry has assured that discussions will continue through a High Powered Committee. The government aims to resume stalled discussions by extending invitations to LAB and KDA, focusing on the demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has affirmed its openness to dialogue with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance regarding Ladakh issues. This statement comes after the Leh Apex Body declined talks with the MHA's high-powered committee until normalcy is restored, also calling for an impartial judicial probe into the September 24th incident.