The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced a new round of discussions with Ladakh’s civil society leaders on October 6, following a resurgence of protests in the Union Territory.
This crucial meeting will involve a high-powered committee, previously led by Minister of State Nityanand Rai, continuing its engagement with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The central focus of these talks remains the long-standing demand for constitutional safeguards for the region.
Specifically, both the LAB and KDA are advocating for full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant it tribal area status and enhanced autonomy.
The renewed dialogue comes amidst a 35-day hunger strike by prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other residents in Leh. Their protest highlights the frustration over unmet demands and the perceived lack of consistent engagement from the MHA.
Expressing cautious optimism, Sajjad Kargili of the KDA shared his thoughts, stating, “MHA has decided to resume talks with the Ladakhis leadership — hope these talks will lead to the restoration of democratic rights in terms of statehood and sixth schedule for #Ladakh. We expect that these talks would not be for sake of it. It must be result oriented.”
Ladakh was reconstituted as a Union Territory in 2019, losing its Legislative Assembly after Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated.
Just a year later, protests erupted across the region, encompassing both the Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil districts. Civil society leaders united to press for key constitutional protections, including statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, job reservations for local residents, and separate parliamentary representation for Leh and Kargil.