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| Ice breaks in Ladakh as admin, civil society hold first talks since violence | | | Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 9: In a significant development signaling a thaw in the ongoing stalemate in Ladakh, the Union Territory administration and members of the civil society of Leh on Thursday held their first meaningful meeting since the September 24 violence that claimed four civilian lives.
The meeting, held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, marked the first direct engagement between the two sides after weeks of tension and deadlock following the unprecedented clashes in Leh. The dialogue, which lasted for nearly two hours, was attended by top religious figures, senior political leaders, and key members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), who have been spearheading the region’s agitation for constitutional safeguards and restoration of democratic rights. Although no formal announcement was made by either side after the meeting, members of the civil society described the interaction as “very positive and encouraging.”
They said that for the first time, the Union Territory administration had responded positively to their key demands, including a judicial probe into the September 24 incident, lifting of the internet ban, and the release of all detained persons.
Sources said the discussions were conducted in a spirit of reconciliation, with both sides expressing willingness to move forward through dialogue.
The UT administration reportedly assured the delegation that the concerns of the people would be addressed with sensitivity and seriousness.
“The administration has shown a positive approach this time. We raised all our major concerns, and the response has been constructive,” a senior member of the civil society told reporters after the meeting. “We are hopeful that this dialogue will pave the way for restoration of normalcy and mutual trust.”
Top Buddhist and Muslim religious leaders of Leh, along with prominent representatives of political parties and the lea The dialogue, which lasted for nearly two hours, was attended by top religious figures, senior political leaders, and key members of the Leh Apex Body.
Although no formal announcement was made by either side after the meeting, members of the civil society described the interaction as “very positive and encouraging.”
Participants said that for the first time, the Ladakh administration responded positively to their key demands.
The demands include a judicial probe into the September 24 incident, lifting of the internet ban, and the release of all detained persons.
The September 24 incident had plunged Ladakh into turmoil, with violent clashes between protestors and security personnel leading to the death of four civilians and injuries to several others. The violence was followed by widespread anger, protests, and a near-complete breakdown in communication after authorities imposed restrictions and suspended internet services across the region.
Since then, both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had hardened their positions, refusing to engage in talks until their conditions — including a judicial probe and release of detained activists — were met. Thursday’s meeting, therefore, marks a crucial step in rebuilding trust and opening channels of communication.
While the outcome of the meeting is yet to be officially announced, both sides have agreed to maintain dialogue in the coming days. Civil society representatives expressed optimism that concrete steps would soon follow to address the grievances of the people and restore normalcy in the region.
“This meeting has broken the ice after weeks of tension,” said another member of the Leh Apex Body. “We hope this spirit of dialogue continues and results in justice for the victims and peace for the people of Ladakh.”
Officials from the UT administration remained tight-lipped about the deliberations but confirmed that “dialogue has begun on a positive note.”
The development is being viewed as a hopeful sign amid the prolonged unrest in Ladakh, which has witnessed widespread discontent over governance issues, political representation, and the demand for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. |
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