Ladakh Observes Complete Shutdown Over Alleged Agreement Breach

SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Ladakh observed a complete shutdown on Tuesday, called by the region's two main political groups—the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—to protest what they allege is the Centre's backtracking on understandings reached during talks in New Delhi last month.

Businesses across Leh and Kargil remained closed as large numbers of people gathered at Leh's Polo Ground to hear addresses by leaders of the groups that had called the bandh. Around 7,000 people attended the gathering.

The groups have alleged that the draft minutes of the May 22 meeting between Ladakh representatives and a Union Home Ministry (MHA) panel omitted two key demands: a proposed legislative body with authority over the bureaucracy, and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh through a provision similar to Article 371 (which grants special status to certain states).

LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook claimed he pointed out these omissions in the draft minutes and sought corrections, but the revised minutes were not released or returned to him.

LAB and KDA have warned that if these two demands are not reflected in the final minutes, they will revert to their original demand for full statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous councils in tribal areas.

Sonam Wangchuk, LAB member and environmentalist, was part of the May talks, which were described by both groups as 'historic'. Wangchuk had been arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) earlier this year and was released in March 2025.

Speakers at the Leh gathering also raised concerns about other issues, including a proposed excise policy change to allow alcohol sales throughout Ladakh, privatisation of the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD), land issues, and tourism-related concerns.

Other groups present included the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), Anjuman Imamia, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, and representatives of the Christian community.

The protests come against the backdrop of several rounds of talks between Ladakh groups and the Centre since 2023. The process was halted after four people were killed and over 80 injured in September 2025 during protests in Leh demanding statehood, following alleged police firing. Wangchuk was accused of inciting the protesters and was detained under the NSA before his release.

The MHA panel has not issued a public response to the allegations raised by the Ladakh groups. The demand for statehood and special status has been a longstanding issue in the region, which was granted Union Territory status in 2019.