Ladakh Citizen Groups Accuse Centre of Delaying Talks on Sixth Schedule, Statehood

Citizen organizations in Ladakh expressed growing discontent accusing the Ministry of Home Affairs of intentionally delaying negotiations on critical demands, including extension of the Sixth Schedule and restoration of statehood. The Kargil Democratic Alliance and Leh Apex Body, representing a broad coalition of political, social, religious, and trade groups from both districts, jointly submitted a detailed report in November 2025, yet no substantive response has followed.

Kargil Democratic Alliance chairman Asgar Karbalai voiced sharp criticism during a public address in Kargil, stating that the Centre had promised a meeting within days of receiving the written draft following initial talks after September 2024 protests in Leh. He alleged deliberate procrastination, warning that such tactics test the patience of Ladakh's residents while attempting to erode the hard-won unity between Leh and Kargil.

Karbalai further claimed efforts to sow division along religious and regional lines between Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil, aiming to undermine collective demands for constitutional safeguards. He urged the people of Ladakh to remain vigilant against divisive strategies and called for immediate resumption of meaningful dialogue to address legitimate concerns.

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Leh Apex Body co-chairman Chering Dorjey corroborated the absence of communication from the Ministry since the report's submission, highlighting perceived attempts to weaken the organization's structure. Both leaders demanded the swift release of prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently detained in Jodhpur, as part of broader appeals for responsive governance.

The unified stance from Leh and Kargil emerged after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, initially met with contrasting reactions across the districts. The joint agitation now focuses on protecting local identity, land rights, and employment through enhanced constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule.

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