Ladakh's Bid for Statehood: Unrest, Demands, and Dialogue

Ladakh leaders met with Home Ministry representatives for talks after police firing resulted in four deaths during pro-statehood protests. The leaders pushed for the release of detained activists, including Sonam Wangchuck, and demanded compensation for victims' families. A judicial inquiry was announced to investigate the violence.

In a bid to resolve tensions, Ladakh leaders attended talks with Home Ministry officials following September's deadly protests for statehood, where four died in police firing. This week's sub-committee meeting was the first signs of renewed dialogue, as leaders urged governmental action.

The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance demanded authoritative measures to address grievances, highlighting the wrongful arrests of activists like Sonam Wangchuck. Detained under the National Security Act, Wangchuck's case epitomizes the community's strife for justice.

The Home Ministry's recent announcement of a judicial inquiry into the Leh violence marks an attempt at restoring faith in the dialogue process. Steered by a retired Supreme Court judge, the probe promises to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the tragic events, amid broad calls for enhanced political autonomy.

(With inputs from agencies.)