Leh: In a significant development, the Congress Party announced its withdrawal from the Leh Apex Body (Apex) following the recent decision by the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) to bar political parties from talks on Ladakh’s demands.
The resolution, passed unanimously during the CWC’s Saturday meeting, also appointed respected leader Thupstan Chewang to head the Apex body and ensure that the dialogue remains structured and inclusive.
The move was backed by LBA President Chering Dorjay Lakrook, Vice President Kunzes Doma, and other committee members.
Addressing the media, Congress representatives stated that their decision was made in solidarity with Ladakh’s interests and to maintain the integrity of the ongoing movement.
Watch press conference here:
The party stressed that accusations of “competing interests” being directed at them were baseless and politically motivated, especially as BJP’s repeated attempts to shift focus away from key issues like the much-demanded Sixth Schedule and Union Territory safeguards have failed.
Congress leaders highlighted that the party has stood firm on Ladakh’s demands from the beginning and has consistently raised the issue at national forums, including parliamentary sessions led by senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi.
They pointed out that BJP’s reluctance to support the Sixth Schedule proposal and its opposition to core demands left no room for political maneuvering or rivalry.
Further criticizing attempts to politicize the issue, the party reaffirmed that they are willing to set aside political ambitions and even boycott elections if it helps advance Ladakh’s cause.
“We are ready to leave everything for Ladakh’s welfare. If the people support the talks without us, we will respect that decision,” said a senior Congress leader during the press conference.
The party also dismissed claims that their involvement could create conflicts of interest, stating that all decisions should focus solely on securing constitutional safeguards for the people of Ladakh.
They reiterated that their fight has always been for the rights and dignity of Ladakh’s residents and that they will continue to support the movement until the Sixth Schedule is implemented.
