The deadlock over Ladakh’s demands has eased after local leaders “de-politicised” their delegation seeking Sixth Schedule status and full statehood for the region. The Union Home Ministry has invited them to resume discussions in New Delhi on 6 October.
The talks will restart after a four-month stalemate. The last meeting between representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials was held on 27 May.
Another factor believed to have facilitated the resumption of dialogue is the return of veteran Buddhist leader and former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang as head of the LAB. Chhewang, who commands wide respect in the region, had earlier resigned from the Lok Sabha in support of Ladakh’s demands.
The High Power Committee (HPC), set up by the MHA, had held several rounds of talks before falling silent over the past four months. Negotiations resumed only after the Congress party withdrew from the committee. The MHA on Friday sent a fresh invitation to Ladakh leaders for an HPC meeting in New Delhi.
Chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the HPC was constituted to address key demands from Ladakh’s political leadership. These include full statehood, Sixth Schedule protections for tribal communities, creation of a dedicated Public Service Commission, and enhanced representation in the Lok Sabha.
The revival of talks comes amid mounting public pressure from local leaders and civil society activists. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, in collaboration with the LAB, began a 35-day hunger strike on 10 September to press for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and full statehood. He said the strike would continue until 2 October, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, which he described as a “landmark day” for the movement.