"They were arrested on charges of violence during last month's deadly protests, which called for greater autonomy and statehood for the Buddhist-Muslim enclave in the Himalayas, which borders both China and Pakistan. Protesters are also demanding job quotas for local residents and special status for Ladakh that would allow the creation of elected local bodies to protect its tribal areas."
"Dorje said he was arrested while returning home from work. He denies taking part in the violence but admits that the anger in Ladakh has been simmering for years. "For the last few years, no one was listening to our demands and talks with central government kept getting delayed," he told DW. "What we saw was years of anger and frustration that exploded on the day of the protest.""
"Standing next to Thinles Dorje was Tundup Namgyal, a former soldier, who alleged that during his questioning by the Ladakh Police, he was asked about "Chinese and Pakistani funding" and even claimed to have been called "anti-national" by authorities a label that has left many in the region angry and hurt. Dorje and others expressed their frustration over being accused of colluding with foreign elements."
About 39 men were arrested on charges of violence during deadly protests in Leh that demanded greater autonomy, statehood, job quotas and special status for Ladakh. Protesters sought elected local bodies to protect tribal areas. The detained men were released on bail but reported uncertainty and fear. Thinles Dorje denies participating in the violence and attributes the unrest to years of ignored demands and delayed talks with the central government. Tundup Namgyal alleges police questioned him about foreign funding and that some protesters were labeled "anti-national," fueling anger and hurt and deepening mistrust.
Read at www.dw.com
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