The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have raised alarm over harassment and intimidation of civil society members by Indian police, warning that such actions could jeopardize talks with India on the political fate of the region.
The two major groups from Ladakh, in a joint letter to Indian Home Secretary, highlighted that several civil society members have faced repeated questioning, harassment, and intimidation in connection with recent events in the region. The groups noted that even individuals already released on bail by the Leh court continue to be summoned and intimidated by police personnel.
The LAB and KDA said the continued police harassment is creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among youth and civil society, discouraging free participation in the ongoing judicial inquiry. The letter urged the Indian Home Ministry to immediately direct the police to halt such intimidation, warning that failure to do so could undermine peace and the spirit of dialogue. Copies of the communication were also sent to the Ladakh Chief Secretary, the Intelligence Bureau’s Special Director, and the Ladakh DGP.
The correspondence comes ahead of a formal submission of the groups’ detailed draft demands to the Indian Home Ministry, following the first round of talks in New Delhi last month.
LAB and KDA leaders held a joint meeting on Wednesday to finalise their draft.
