HM Amit Shah to Visit Leh on April 30 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Leh on April 30 for a two-day trip, marking his first visit to Ladakh since widespread unrest last year over demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The visit comes at a politically significant time as local groups in Ladakh continue to press for greater constitutional safeguards, administrative autonomy, and restoration of democratic rights. Shah’s visit is being closely observed as an important indication of the Centre’s engagement with the strategically sensitive Union Territory following months of political tension.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced the Home Minister’s visit through a post on X, stating that Shah will participate in key events associated with Buddha Purnima during his stay.

“It gives me great pleasure in sharing that Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah will be arriving in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit. On May 1, he will pay his respects to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and share his thoughts on the spiritual significance of the sacred exposition being held in Ladakh from May 1 to 14,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He added that the visit reflects the Government of India’s continued commitment to Ladakh’s development.

This will be Shah’s first visit to the region since protests and clashes in Ladakh drew national attention to the region’s long-standing political demands. Observers believe the visit may play a significant role in shaping the Centre’s future response to Ladakh’s calls for statehood and constitutional protections while reinforcing its broader development agenda in the region.

In March, large-scale demonstrations were held in Leh and Kargil after the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance renewed demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. The protests gained further momentum after the Centre withdrew the National Security Act against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been detained for nearly six months following unrest linked to the same demands.