The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has submitted a draft proposal to the Centre, demanding general amnesty for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other detainees following the Sept 24 violence. This amnesty is deemed crucial for smooth continuation of talks, alongside demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. 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”.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Says He Brokered Eight Peace Deals Including India And Pakistan During Mamdani MeetUP Gears Up For Biggest Crackdown Yet As CM Yogi Mandates Detention Hubs For Illegal ImmigrantsModi, Meloni Share Warm Laughter on G20 Sidelines in Johannesburg‘In memory of our brothers’: Russian Pilot’s Heartfelt Note For Indian Tejas Pilot After Dubai Crash’Objective Is To Destroy The Enemy’: Op Sindoor Echoes As Indian Army Vows Stronger Response to PakIndian Army Chief Reveals How A Trusted Orchestra Crushed Nine Targets in Operation Sindoor BlitzManipur Sangai Festival 2025- ThemeAt G20 Summit, PM Modi Proposes Global Knowledge, Skills, Health And Security Initiatives For FutureSangai Festival 2025 Opening CeremonyEx-VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Breaks Silence, Calls Out Narrative Traps With Cryptic Reference To His Past123Photostories3 Ayurveda-approved fruit rules to boost digestionFrom Harman Sidhu to Danish Zehen: Indian celebrities who died in tragic road accidents7 high-protein breakfast shakes with 20g per glassMillion-dollar executives: Meet top 5 highest-paid CXOs in India FY259 behaviours that slowly destroy relationships over timeTop 4 home remedies to reduce bloating and boost digestion naturallyKartik Aaryan to Sara Tendulkar: 5 best celebrity looks of the daySilent signs of bullying every parent should pay attention to7 ways to enjoy Papaya for breakfastBigg Boss 19: From Gaurav Khanna, Tanya Mittal to Amaal Mallik: Net worth of Top 9 contestants123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingFantasy Football Injury ReportSavannah JamesBrittany MahomesTaylor SwiftTravis KelceChris Blake GriffithJosh Allen InjuryCharvarius WardFortnite Chapter 7 LeakedCade Cunningham
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”.
