The Leh Apex Body (LAB) officially announced on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, that it would not proceed with scheduled talks with Home Ministry officials. According to Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, co-convenor of LAB, this decision stems from the government’s failure to address their demand for a judicial inquiry into the deaths of four individuals during the September 24 protests.
The organization emphasized that it would abstain from any discussions with the Home Ministry’s High-Powered Committee until a sense of calm and a suitable environment for dialogue are re-established across Ladakh.
LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang conveyed this significant decision just hours after the cremation of the fourth victim of the recent violence – a former army soldier – which took place under stringent security measures in Leh, a town currently under curfew.
The curfew, initially imposed last Wednesday, September 24, 2025, saw a two-hour relaxation at 4 p.m. across the town. Authorities confirmed that no untoward incidents were reported during this period.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Chhewang, a respected former two-time Member of Parliament, stated, ‘We have collectively decided that given the current conditions in Ladakh, we will refrain from participating in any talks until peace is fully restored and a truly conducive environment is established.’
He added, ‘We will impress upon the Home Ministry and the Union Territory administration to take concrete steps to alleviate the pervasive atmosphere of fear, grief, and anger among the populace.’
Ladakh witnessed extensive violent protests on September 24 during a shutdown spearheaded by LAB. The agitation was aimed at accelerating discussions with the Central government regarding their core demands: statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to the Union Territory.
The clashes between demonstrators and security forces resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries. Over 50 individuals were arrested on suspicion of rioting, and prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, a leading figure in the movement, was also detained under the rigorous National Security Act (NSA).
Following a four-month deadlock in negotiations, the Central government had, on September 20, invited both the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for talks. These two groups have been at the forefront of the movement demanding statehood and the application of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The now-canceled discussions were originally slated for October 6.
Mr. Chhewang reflected on the historical context, stating, ‘After a prolonged 70-year struggle, Ladakh was finally granted Union Territory status without a legislature in August 2019. However, this outcome fell short of our expectations for justice and self-governance.’
He continued, ‘We perceived an erosion of the safeguards previously afforded to us under Article 370 and Article 35A, coupled with a decline in democratic principles. This compelled us to initiate a renewed agitation to secure our fundamental rights.’
He further noted that the central government had initially given assurances regarding safeguards, leading to five years of ongoing discussions about their four key demands: extending the Constitution’s Sixth Schedule protections, granting statehood, establishing a separate administrative cadre, ensuring job reservations and a public service commission, and securing distinct Lok Sabha representation.
Mr. Chhewang alleged that while their movement remained peaceful, the events of September 24 were inexplicable. He accused the CRPF of acting ‘like hooligans,’ employing excessive force that resulted in fatalities and injuries, thereby fostering an atmosphere of fear, sorrow, and outrage among the people of Ladakh.
He concluded by asserting that despite LAB’s continuous communication with the central government and their preparations for dialogue – albeit with disagreements over specific dates – the administration resorted to ‘excessive force’ against their peaceful protests, which included a hunger strike.