SRINAGAR: Ladakh representatives withdrew Monday from scheduled talks with Union home ministry’s high-powered committee, demanding a judicial inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge into the Sept 24 firing by security forces in Leh that killed four protesters and wounded more than 80. In response, govt said it has always been “open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time” and “would continue to welcome the discussion”. ABL also sought withdrawal of “anti-national” labels against Ladakhis and release of all those arrested, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. They alleged Wangchuk was targeted after he joined ABL, which represents political and religious groups, and has been pressing for Sixth Schedule safeguards

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