The Indian government has been actively engaging with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to address various issues in Ladakh. This engagement involves formal meetings through a High-Powered Committee (HPC) and its sub-committee, as well as multiple informal meetings with leaders from the ABL and KDA.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this dialogue has produced significant results. These include increasing reservations for Ladakh's Scheduled Tribes from 45% to 84%, providing one-third women's reservations in the councils, and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. Furthermore, the process for recruiting 1,800 posts has commenced. The government has affirmed its commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh by offering adequate constitutional safeguards.
The next HPC meeting is scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings planned for September 25 and 26 with leaders from Ladakh.
However, the MHA has stated that certain "politically motivated individuals" are unhappy with the progress made under the HPC and are attempting to sabotage the dialogue process. The ministry said that Sonam Wangchuk started a hunger strike on September 10, demanding Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood. The demands of Wangchuk's hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in the HPC. Despite being urged by many leaders to call off the hunger strike, Wangchuk continued and allegedly misled people by making provocative mentions of an Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.
On September 24, a mob, allegedly incited by Wangchuk's statements, attacked a political party office and the office of the Chief Executive Council (CEC) in Leh. The mob set offices on fire, attacked security personnel, and torched a police vehicle. Over 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured during the unrest. Police responded by firing in self-defense, resulting in casualties. The MHA maintains that the violence was linked to Wangchuk's provocative statements.
