The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially announced that the next crucial round of discussions between its high-powered committee and the leadership of Ladakh will be conducted in the last part of January 2026. The date was communicated via a letter to the Ladakh UT Chief Secretary on Thursday.
Political Reactions and Core Demands
The letter's contents were shared publicly by BJP leader and former chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Tashi Gyalson, on social media platform X. Gyalson welcomed the announcement and expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the initiative.
Representatives from Ladakh have acknowledged the development. Sajjad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) stated that while the announcement came later than anticipated, it is a positive step. He emphasized the hope that the forthcoming meeting will seriously address the fundamental demands of the people of Ladakh.
The core issues expected to be on the table include:
- Granting full statehood to the Union Territory.
- Inclusion under the protective provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Consideration of the joint draft proposal submitted earlier by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and KDA.
Humanitarian Concerns and Background of Dialogue
Kargili also highlighted several humanitarian concerns that the committee should consider. These involve the continued detention of prominent climate activist and LAB member Sonam Wangchuk and others. Furthermore, he raised the issue of providing compensation for individuals injured and for the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate police firing on protesters in Leh on September 24.
The dialogue process began after this incident, where four protesters were killed while demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Following the Centre's order for an inquiry, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) agreed to enter into talks with the central government.
The first formal meeting between the MHA's high-powered committee and these Ladakhi representatives was held on October 22 in New Delhi. Subsequently, on November 14, the LAB and KDA submitted a comprehensive 29-page joint draft proposal to the MHA, formally outlining their demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards. The proposal also included a request for general amnesty for Sonam Wangchuk and others detained post the September 24 protests.
Path Forward and Expectations
The scheduling of the meeting for early 2026 sets a clear timeline for the continuation of this critical dialogue. All stakeholders now await the January session, hoping it will lead to substantive outcomes addressing the political and constitutional aspirations of Ladakh's people. The focus will remain on whether the high-powered committee can bridge the gap between the Centre's position and the region's steadfast demands for greater autonomy and protection.
