Ladakh's Leh Apex Body (LAB) has refuted the government's claims that normalcy has returned to the Union Territory, alleging that authorities are intimidating village heads for informing communities about ongoing protests. These protests are rooted in demands for statehood and the extension of Sixth Schedule safeguards to the region.
The LAB's co-chairman, Chering Dorjay, stated at a press conference that the situation is "far from normal" and described the government's asserted normalcy as "just an illusion". He highlighted the continued suspension of internet services and "mass arrests" as evidence to the contrary, urging the immediate release of detainees and the lifting of restrictions to restore public confidence. Dorjay also accused the government of harassing village heads ("numberdars") for disseminating information about the LAB's hunger strike held from September 10 to 24, which advocated for constitutional safeguards and political rights for Ladakh. He condemned this alleged harassment as an attack on Ladakhi culture, asserting that "normalcy cannot return through intimidation".
These statements came in the wake of widespread violence on September 24, which erupted during an agitation led by the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The protests resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries, prompting the imposition of a curfew and the suspension of mobile internet services. While the curfew has been gradually lifted and schools up to class 8 have reopened, prohibitory orders banning assembly remain in effect, and mobile internet services are still suspended.
The Lieutenant Governor's (L-G) office, however, maintains that Ladakh is peaceful, with schools, offices, and markets functioning. L-G Kavinder Gupta has been chairing daily security review meetings since the September 24 violence, directing officials to remain vigilant and prioritize peace and development.
Adding to the discord, the LAB and KDA have decided to abstain from scheduled meetings with the central government until a judicial probe is ordered into the deaths of the four individuals, and all detainees, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, are released. Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal stated that 30 of the 70 youths detained following the September 24 clashes have been released, with the remainder to be released per court orders. He assured that the government is committed to meeting the aspirations of the people of Ladakh and is keen to commence the dialogue process soon.
The Ladakh administration has also denied allegations of "witch-hunting" against Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). They assert that all government actions are based on credible inputs and documented evidence, dismissing claims of victimization as baseless. The administration has criticized Wangchuk for making provocative statements and inciting the public, pointing to his references to events in other countries and his remarks about youth not wanting peace. They also cited ongoing inquiries into alleged financial irregularities and foreign currency violations by the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), an organization with which Wangchuk is associated.
The Congress party has voiced sharp criticism of the situation in Ladakh, with leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi demanding a judicial inquiry into the deaths of the protesters. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and political activist Yogendra Yadav have also condemned the detention of Wangchuk, with Yadav calling him the "Gandhi of Ladakh".
The conflicting narratives from the government and the LAB highlight the deep-seated tensions and the challenges in restoring normalcy to Ladakh. The continued restrictions, detentions, and communication blockades have fueled skepticism among residents, who view the government's portrayal of peace as a facade. The impasse in negotiations between the central government and Ladakh groups further complicates the situation, casting a shadow over the prospects for resolving the underlying issues and addressing the aspirations of the Ladakhi people.
