Informal Talks in Leh: Ladakh Groups Push for Legislative Body and Article 371-like Safeguards
A day after Ladakh observed a shutdown over the Centre's alleged backtracking on earlier understandings, informal talks will be held Friday in Leh between representatives of Ladakh groups and officials from the Union Home Ministry (MHA). The meeting, led by Additional MHA Secretary Lokhande Prashant Sitaram, is not part of the formal sub-committee or high-powered panel process.
Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) co-chairman Sajjad Kargili confirmed the meeting, stating it would focus on the minutes of the last meeting and other issues. Notably, Leh Apex Body member and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk will not attend, as he is in Delhi on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
The June 23 shutdown was called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the region's two main political groups. They alleged that the draft minutes of a May 22 meeting with MHA officials omitted two key agreements: the creation of a legislative body with authority over the bureaucracy, and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under a provision similar to Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. Both groups insist these are essential for the region's development and identity.
Since 2023, several rounds of talks have been held with the Centre on Ladakh's demands. The process stalled after four people were killed and over 80 injured on September 24, 2025, in alleged police firing on protesters in Leh demanding statehood. Sonam Wangchuk was arrested and charged under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting the protesters, but the Centre revoked his detention in March this year. Since his release, Wangchuk has been pressing for dialogue.
The region, a Union Territory since 2019, has witnessed repeated protests over demands for statehood, a separate legislative assembly, and protection of land and jobs for locals. The outcome of Friday's informal talks may indicate the Centre's willingness to address these long-standing issues.
