The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday said it will not talk to the Ministry of Home Affairs until normal life is restored in Ladakh. The decision comes after four protesters were killed in police firing during demonstrations demanding statehood and inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule.

At a press conference in Leh, LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang, co-chairman Tsering Dorjey, and member Ashraf Ali said the administration must first calm the situation, release detainees, and withdraw the charge that Ladakhis are “anti-national.” “These accusations are baseless and unacceptable. If the government had started talks on time, this tragedy would not have happened,” Dorjey said.

The leaders rejected the Centre’s offer of talks on October 6, saying discussions cannot happen while such all

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