Leaders from Ladakh are scheduled to hold discussions with a sub-committee of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi on October 22. This announcement was made by Chering Dorje Lakruk, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body.
The upcoming meeting will include three representatives from both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), as well as Ladakh MP Mohd Haneefa Jan. Their central focus during these deliberations will be the demand for full statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of safeguards for the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, as stated by Mr. Lakruk in Leh.
Mr. Lakruk expressed his welcome for the Indian government’s decision to invite both the LAB and KDA to the October 22 meeting, conveying optimism for a constructive outcome from the dialogue.
These talks follow widespread violent protests in Leh on September 24, which occurred during a shutdown organized by LAB to press for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.
The protests tragically resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries amidst clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Over 50 individuals were arrested on suspicion of rioting. Notably, activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the agitation, was also detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). This act permits the central and state governments to detain individuals to prevent actions deemed ‘prejudicial to the defense of India’.
Under the NSA, the maximum detention period is twelve months, though it is possible for detention to be revoked sooner.
Government sources indicated that an offer for talks was initially made on July 20 but received no response. Both the LAB and KDA have consistently led the movement advocating for Ladakh’s statehood and the inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule.