Ladakh Apex Body threatens larger protests if Delhi talks stall

The Ladakh Apex Body, together with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, has set a deadline of September 9 for a sub-committee meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. The group demands Union Territory-level legislation, Article 371 protections, withdrawal of most cases stemming from the September 24 violence, compensation for victims, and publication of the inquiry commission report. Chairman Chering Dorje Lakruk said the body will welcome a positive outcome but will launch a stronger agitation if the talks do not yield results.

He also criticized the slow release of the inquiry report and the limited number of case withdrawals, calling the treatment of Ladakh a "double standard." Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that the planned Kargil-to-Leh padyatra, scheduled for September 10, is on hold and may resume if the September 9 talks fail to satisfy the demands. The activists expect a detailed draft on a proposed Ladakh Assembly to be presented at the meeting.