Leh, 1 October (H.S.): Urging Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to reconsider their decision to stay away from talks with the Centre, Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday said any matter can be resolved by sitting across the table.

He lashed out at Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the Ladakh situation, alleging that the Congress leader was trying to “vitiate the atmosphere “in the country as he did during the farmers’ agitation and other protests.

With the agitating groups demanding a judicial inquiry into the Septmber 24 violence and the release of detainees, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, the LG said a magisterial probe has already been announced “and it will start very soon”.

A semblance of normalcy was witnessed in curfew-bound Leh town since Tuesday morning after authorities relaxed week-long curbs for seven hours and also ordered the reopening of shops and business establishments.

The relaxation period was further extended by one more hour from 10 am to 6 pm on Wednesday. However, mobile internet services remain suspended, and stringent prohibitory orders banning the assembly of five or more people are still in effect across much of the Union Territory, including Kargil.

The dialogue between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh representatives, scheduled for October 6, hit a roadblock with both LAB and KDA, which are leading the agitation for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh, announcing suspension of the talks until a conducive atmosphere is created.

They demanded a judicial probe into the violence and the release of over 50 detainees, including Wangchuk who was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly instigating the violence.

The two outfits have alleged that “highhandedness” by authorities and security forces led to the violence during a shutdown called by a constituent of the LAB.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar