Inconclusive Talks Highlight Govt Concerns Over Ladakh's Demands

New Delhi: A recent high-powered committee meeting between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives from Ladakh ended without a breakthrough, exposing the government's reservations regarding the region's demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The meeting, the first high-level engagement since violent protests in Leh last year, saw the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) pressing for greater political autonomy for the Union Territory, which was created in 2019 following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.

The core demands of the LAB and KDA include full statehood with a legislative assembly to ensure political representation and self-governance. They also seek protections for Ladakh's unique culture, fragile ecosystem, and land rights through the granting of autonomous district councils under the Sixth Schedule.

During the meeting, chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, government representatives reportedly questioned the financial implications of granting statehood to Ladakh. Concerns were also raised regarding the applicability and necessity of the Sixth Schedule, which provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain states. Sources indicate that the government proposed protections under Article 371 as an alternative.

Ladakh leaders, however, have remained firm on their demands, emphasizing the need for constitutional safeguards to protect the region's distinct identity and interests. Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), stated that discussions took place on statehood and the Sixth Schedule but without any conclusion. Asgar Ali Karbalai, co-chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, echoed this sentiment, noting that detailed deliberations occurred, but the talks remained inconclusive.

The government has requested a financial viability draft regarding a legislative assembly, which has to be submitted within a month. This suggests a willingness to explore the possibility of a legislative assembly for Ladakh without granting full statehood.

The meeting also addressed the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk and other individuals arrested following the September 24, 2025, protests in Leh. The LAB and KDA have demanded their unconditional release, arguing that Wangchuk was falsely accused of inciting violence. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). The Supreme Court has rescheduled a hearing on Sonam Wangchuk's detention to February 9.

The inconclusive nature of the talks highlights the challenges in reconciling the aspirations of the Ladakhi people with the government's concerns about fiscal responsibility and constitutional limitations. With another round of discussions expected in the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether a mutually acceptable solution can be found. In the interim, the LAB and KDA are expected to meet to deliberate on their future course of action.