Sonam Wangchuk (File photo)
SRINAGAR: A draft proposal submitted by Leh Apex Body (LAB) to the Centre says granting “general amnesty” to its member and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other detainees over the Sept 24 violence is a must for talks to continue smoothly.LAB is an amalgam of social, political and religious groups spearheading an agitation over statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which became a Union Territory in 2019. It submitted the 29-page draft proposal to the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) earlier this week.“The extension of such a general amnesty would serve as a huge confidence-building measure that would reinforce the spirit of dialogue and mutual trust between the people of Ladakh and the Government of India. Such a healing hand approach shall ensure Ladakh always remains the peaceful place it has been known for,” the draft states. Wangchuk has been charged and jailed under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).The document begins with references to the September 24 Leh violence in which four locals were killed, allegedly in the police firing, after the protesters demanding Sixth Schedule status turned violent. “What transpired on Sept 24, 2025, and the subsequent events, is unprecedented in a place like Ladakh, and those incidents have shaken the fabric of the people. Keeping in consideration the conduct of Ladakhis for the last many years and their peaceful means of protest, it is important to release all persons detained and withdraw cases against them unconditionally,” the draft states.Stressing that “extension of Sixth Schedule protection to Ladakh and granting it full statehood with appropriate constitutional safeguards under Article 371 of the Constitution are important at this juncture”, the draft said fulfilment of these “demands shall further help in restoring peace and build confidence”.The draft says the proposals are in accordance with an understanding at a meeting between Ladakhi leaders and a high-powered MHA committee on Oct 22 to have a “constructive framework for further deliberations”. LAB reiterated, however, that it remains “fully open to further discussions, suggestions and deliberations” with the ministry to reach a mutually acceptable constitutional solution to the demands of Ladakh”.