Leh, March 14: Even as Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena urged people to avoid protests and resolve issues through dialogue, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has reiterated its plan to hold a massive peaceful rally in Leh on March 16 to press for Ladakh’s long-pending demands and seek fresh talks with the Centre.
In a statement issued after the Union Government revoked the detention of Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, the Lieutenant Governor welcomed the decision and described it as a positive step toward fostering peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh.
Saxena emphasised that Ladakh has historically been known for its patriotic spirit and peaceful social fabric.
He said that all concerns and issues could be addressed through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
Underlining his appeal for calm, the LG said there was no place for agitation, bandhs or violence in Ladakh and stressed that such actions do not contribute to meaningful progress. Instead, he said, cooperation and peaceful engagement should be the guiding approach to resolve issues facing the region.
The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated that the Union Territory administration remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders in an open and cooperative manner and expressed hope that Ladakh would continue to witness peace and accelerated development with the support of its people.
However, even as the administration emphasised dialogue over agitation, the LAB confirmed that preparations are underway for a mega rally in Leh on March 16.
Addressing a press conference, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook said the rally will begin from Singge Namgyal Chowk and culminate in a public gathering at the Leh Polo Ground.
According to LAB, people from across Leh district are expected to participate in what the organisation described as a peaceful democratic expression of public sentiment.
Sources said Lakrook also recently met the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor during which the LG reportedly urged community leaders not to hold protests and instead pursue dialogue with the administration.
However, LAB leaders maintain that the March 16 rally will go ahead as a peaceful demonstration to voice public concerns.
The developments underline the continuing political churn in Ladakh, where civil society groups and political organisations have been seeking renewed engagement with the Centre on the region’s key demands even as the administration stresses stability, dialogue and development.
