Ladakh's Outcry: Apex Body Rejects 'Foreign Hand' Claims, Demands Judicial Probe into Violence

In a powerful statement reflecting the simmering tensions in Ladakh, the influential Leh Apex Body (LAB) has vehemently rejected allegations of a 'foreign hand' instigating recent violence during protests for statehood and constitutional safeguards. Instead, the LAB has escalated its demands, calling for a high-level judicial inquiry into the incidents that marred the peaceful agitation.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who, in a recent interview, alluded to external elements attempting to disrupt peace and stability in the region.

These comments have not been well-received by the prominent civil society group, which represents a broad spectrum of interests in Leh.

Chering Dorjay Lakruk, a former minister and a key convenor of the Leh Apex Body, minced no words in his rebuttal. Addressing the press, Lakruk asserted, "We strongly condemn any attempt to divert attention from our genuine demands by making baseless allegations about a 'foreign hand.' Our movement is entirely indigenous, driven by the aspirations of the people of Ladakh for their identity, land, and constitutional protection." He emphasized that the protests, though passionate, had been largely peaceful, and any incidents of violence needed to be thoroughly investigated to ascertain their true perpetrators.

The LAB's official stance, articulated by its conveners, firmly states that their struggle is for the distinct identity and rights of the people of Ladakh within the Indian Union, not at the behest of any external influence.

They highlighted that their demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are long-standing and arise from a deep-seated desire to protect Ladakh's unique ecological, cultural, and demographic landscape.

The demand for a judicial probe is central to the LAB's current strategy.

They believe that an independent investigation, led by a sitting or retired High Court judge, is essential to uncover the truth behind the violent clashes and to prevent such allegations from being used to discredit a legitimate democratic movement. "A judicial inquiry will bring transparency and accountability, identify those responsible for any untoward incidents, and clear the air surrounding these unsubstantiated claims," another LAB leader stated.

This development adds a significant layer to the ongoing political discourse in Ladakh.

With the LAB standing firm on its demands and refuting external interference, the focus now shifts to how the central and union territory administrations will respond. The call for an impartial investigation underscores the urgency felt by local leaders to safeguard the integrity of their movement and ensure that the voices of Ladakh's people are heard without distortion or undue suspicion.