Ladakh row: LAB sets conditions for talks

THE LEH APEX Body (LAB), spearheading the agitation for statehood and constitutional safeguards in Ladakh, on Monday announced suspension of talks with the Centre until a judicial inquiry into the police firing is constituted and all activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, are released unconditionally.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang and co-chairman Chering Dorjay said the restoration of a "conducive atmosphere" in Ladakh was necessary before resuming dialogue.

Hardening its stand after the death of four protestors, the LAB said it would still rethink and join the talks on October 6 if the demands of ordering a judicial probe headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and releasing all prisoners were met by the government.

"We will urge the Home Ministry and the UT administration to take steps to address the atmosphere of fear, grief and anger that is there," the two leaders said.