SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: Union home ministry has invited representatives of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for talks in New Delhi on Oct 22, weeks after both Ladakhi groups withdrew from dialogue following the Sept 24 police firing that left four dead and over 70 wounded during violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union territory.Ladakhi functionaries welcomed the outreach and confirmed joint participation. “Both LAB and KDA will participate, along with the MP for Ladakh and our lawyer,” LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay said Sunday in Leh. Chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) will also attend.The talks are set to discuss constitutional safeguards on land, culture, and environment, according to sources.Dorjay said the groups told the ministry that their key demands — statehood and Sixth Schedule status — remain unmet. “We said there will be talks on these two issues, and we are hopeful that govt will engage sincerely this time with an open mind and in a good atmosphere,” he said. “We expect the discussions will be fruitful… we are hopeful of good results.”KDA’s Sajjad Kargili said: “We are meeting for statehood and Sixth Schedule, justice for the Sept 24 victims, and release of those arrested, including Sonam Wangchuk. We believe only genuine dialogue can restore trust and fulfil Ladakh’s aspirations.”Thupstan Chhewang, a former MP and one of Ladakh’s senior-most Buddhist figures, will lead the LAB delegation. Dorjay will accompany him, while KDA will be represented by Asgar Ali Karbali, Qamar Ali Akhoon, and Kargili.The talks trace back to the creation of Ladakh as a separate UT after the abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019. Following sustained protests under LAB and KDA banners, the home ministry formed a high-powered committee on Jan 2, 2023, to address Ladakh’s political and constitutional demands.The last meeting between the committee and Ladakhi representatives took place on May 27, leading to the rollout of a domicile policy. Frustration grew as talks stalled, prompting climate activist Wangchuk — a vocal advocate for Sixth Schedule protection — to begin a 35-day hunger strike on Sept 9, accusing Centre of delaying dialogue on restoring Ladakh’s democratic rights.The home ministry had announced a new round of talks for Oct 6, but violence erupted on Sept 24 when police and paramilitary forces opened fire on protesters in Leh — prompting Wangchuk to break his fast. Authorities later imposed curfew-like restrictions, suspended internet, and arrested over 70 people, including Wangchuk, who was charged under National Security Act and moved to Jodhpur jail.LAB and KDA withdrew from talks soon after, demanding a judicial probe led by a retired Supreme Court judge and the release of all those arrested. On Oct 17, the home ministry announced a judicial inquiry into the firing and reaffirmed its readiness for dialogue, prompting both groups to return to the table.
