The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reiterated the government's willingness to engage in discussions with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on issues concerning Ladakh. This statement follows the LAB's announcement that it would abstain from talks with the High Powered Committee (HPC) until normalcy is restored in the region.

The MHA, in its statement on Monday, September 29, 2025, emphasized that the government is "always open for dialogue" with the LAB and KDA on Ladakh matters at any time. It further added that the government would continue to welcome discussions with the LAB and KDA through the HPC or any other suitable platform. The ministry also noted that the dialogue mechanism established with the two Ladakh bodies through the HPC had yielded positive outcomes.

The MHA highlighted the progress made through the established dialogue, including increased reservations for Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh and the provision of women's reservations in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). Additionally, the recruitment process for 1,800 government posts in the Union Territory of Ladakh has commenced. The ministry expressed confidence that continued dialogue with the people of Ladakh would lead to desired results in the near future.

The LAB's decision to withdraw from talks with the Centre came after violent protests in Leh on September 24, during a shutdown called by the LAB to push for advanced discussions on the demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. The protests resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, with over 50 people taken into custody for alleged involvement in rioting. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the agitation, was also detained under the National Security Act (NSA).

LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang stated that the body would stay away from talks with the HPC until normalcy is restored in Ladakh. He urged the Home Ministry and the Union Territory administration to take steps to address the "atmosphere of fear, grief, and anger" in Ladakh. The LAB has also demanded an impartial judicial probe into the firing by security forces on September 24 and has called for the release of those arrested. Furthermore, the LAB has sought an apology from the Centre for branding Ladakhi protestors as "anti-national".

The KDA has echoed these demands, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk and others detained after the September 24 violence. The KDA has warned that the Centre's failure to meet Ladakh's demands for statehood and other core issues is alienating the people in the region. Sajjad Kargili, a KDA leader, criticized the Union Territory administration's handling of the situation, particularly the decision to open fire on protestors. The KDA has called for an impartial judicial probe into the violence and accountability from the administration.

The agitation in Ladakh has been ongoing since 2021, with the LAB and KDA jointly representing demands such as statehood for Ladakh, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, formation of a Ladakh Public Service Commission, and the allocation of two parliamentary seats for Ladakh. Other demands concern local identity and culture, local languages, environmental issues, and employment.