The talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ladakh civil society leaders, being held after more than three months, remained inconclusive, said Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, co-convener of the Leh Apex Body (LAB). The October 22, 2025, draft proposal submitted by the group regarding Statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the sixth schedule of the Constitution, thus giving it a tribal status, was discussed at the meeting.
Sonam Wangchuk | The man from the mountains
The leaders also demanded the unconditional release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others who were detained after the September 24, 2025, violence in Leh city, where four persons were killed, and several were injured. Mr. Wangchuk is presently detained under the National Security Act at the Jodhpur prison in Rajasthan.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing the two main districts in Ladakh, which have been spearheading the movement for constitutional safeguards in the Union Territory, were called to New Delhi on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) to participate in the meeting of the high-powered committee (HPC).
The HPC, which is led by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, is meeting after more than three months. The last talks were held on October 22, 2025.
