Ladakh Leaders, MHA to Hold Key Talks in Delhi on October 22

SRINAGAR: Delegates from Ladakh are set to meet the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on October 22, in a crucial round of talks aimed at ending months of political deadlock and unrest in the Union Territory. The meeting, confirmed by leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), will centre on the core demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, following a series of violent protests that left four civilians dead and dozens injured in Leh on September 24.

Three representatives each from the LAB and the KDA, along with Ladakh MP Mohd Haneefa Jan, are expected to join the sub-committee meeting, which marks the first substantive engagement since local organisations boycotted earlier official talks following police firing and the detention of several activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, under the National Security Act (NSA). The direct invitation from the MHA comes on the heels of its announcement of a judicial inquiry, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to probe the deaths and alleged excesses during the September protests—a key precondition set by Ladakhi leaders for resuming dialogue.

The talks follow months of agitation led by the LAB and KDA on four principal issues: the restoration of statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion for protective and autonomous provisions, separate Parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission for local employment. The Home Ministry has indicated willingness to engage on these subjects, with Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Minister of State Nityanand Rai slated to attend.

Leh Apex Body co-chairman Chering Dorje Lakruk described the government’s outreach as “a positive signal” and said the groups are “hopeful for a meaningful outcome,” while KDA leader Sajjad Kargili reiterated the focus on “justice for the victims, release of the detained, and genuine democratic reforms.” Previous attempts at negotiations faltered in the aftermath of accusations that protesters were “anti-national” and the atmosphere of fear and anger following the September violence.