Says 30 Youth Detained Earlier Have Been Released
Diplomat Correspondent
Leh: DD, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal, on Saturday said that certain sections deliberately sabotaged the dialogue process, leading to the tragic loss of four lives during the hunger strike in late September, while 30 detained youth have also been released.
Addressing press conference, Dr Kotwal said, “Agitated with the prospects of positive talks with the government, which would have resolved most of their demands, certain sections worked in a negative manner purely for personal and political gains at the cost of the interests of Ladakh. With a premeditated approach, some groups continued the hunger strike despite scheduled talks and misled the people, creating a law and order situation on 24th September and the subsequent unfortunate loss of four precious lives.”
He added, “The investigating agencies have proof for the same. We are confident that all the details of the firing will also come out clearly during the investigation.”
Dr Kotwal further remarked, “The entire episode could have been avoided if some leaders had risen above personal and political ambitions by calling off the hunger strike in a timely manner, when the dates of 25th and 26th September for resuming dialogue with the government on their agenda had already been announced.”
He said that around 30 youth detained during voilence have been released.
“The government has always expressed its desire to have open and constructive dialogue and has never avoided any meetings,” he said, emphasizing that “the government stands committed to meeting the aspirations of the people of Ladakh and will be keen to start the dialogue process soon.” (KNC)