The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday asserted that the government is "always open for dialogue" on Ladakh matters with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time. The statement comes after the ABL announced its decision to withdraw from scheduled talks with the central government, originally set for October 6 in New Delhi. This decision follows a recent outbreak of violence in Leh, which resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals and injuries to over 50 others.
MHA in its statement, said that the government continues to welcome the discussion with ABL and KDA through the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh or any such platform. The Ministry emphasised that in the past, the dialogue mechanism established through HPC has yielded good results in the form of increased reservations to the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh, and women reservation in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).
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“The dialogue mechanism established with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the High Powered Committee (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,” the statement read.”
Appearing positive about the upcoming development, the MHA added, “We are confident that continuous dialogue would yield the desired results in near future.”
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Leh Apex Body withdraws from Central Government talks
At a press conference, senior LAB member Thupstan Chhewang said that the body unanimously agreed to halt discussions until specific conditions are met. These include a demand for a judicial inquiry into the violent events of September 24 and the withdrawal of cases against those arrested during the unrest.
Chhewang emphasised the necessity of restoring peace and normalcy before any dialogue could resume. He urged the Union Home Ministry, the Union Territory administration, and district authorities to take immediate action to address the distressing situation. “The terror and grief among the people must be addressed. Only after that can talks be considered,” he said.
Also Read: Leh Apex Body withdraws from Central Government talks amid ongoing tensions