Freed Ladakh Activist Renews Calls For Talks With Indian Govt

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Prominent Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk called for fresh talks Tuesday with India's government, just days after being released from prison where he had been held for six months over deadly protests in the Himalayan region.

Wangchuk, 59, an environmental advocate who became a key figure in Ladakh's movement for greater autonomy, was arrested and charged in September under India's National Security Act following protests that left four people dead and dozens wounded.

On Saturday, India's home ministry said it had decided to end Wangchuk's detention "with immediate effect" after "due consideration".

Wangchuk told reporters Tuesday the government had offered "constructive meaningful dialogue", and that is "what we wanted right from the start."

"Talk(s) are a give and take process, both sides have to be flexible," the 59-year-old said, adding that it should not be a "loss" for one side.

On Monday, several thousands rallied in Ladakh repeating long standing demands for statehood and the inclusion in the "Sixth Schedule" of India's constitution, which would allow a local legislature to make laws on land use and jobs.

Wangchuk said "all movements in Ladakh are appealing to start talks and dialogue process", including Monday's demonstrations.

An engineer by training, Wangchuk is best known for pioneering water conservation projects in the Himalayas.

He received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his environmental work and contributions to reforming local schooling in Ladakh.

India's government under Narendra Modi split Ladakh off from Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019, imposing direct rule on both.

India's army maintains a large presence in Ladakh, which includes disputed border areas with China.

Troops from the two countries clashed there in 2020, killing at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.

Sonam Wangchuk talks protests Himalayan region

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