Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has warned of a fresh agitation in Ladakh if the Centre fails to give concrete assurances on the region’s long-pending demands within the next week.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Thursday, Wangchuk said Ladakh representatives were left without a clear assurance following their latest discussions with a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sub-committee. He said a fresh padyatra and wider protest could be organised from September 19 to 24 if there is no progress.
Wangchuk said the groups had hoped that the latest round of discussions would reduce the need for another protest. However, he indicated that the absence of a firm commitment from the government had left them with little choice.
He said the proposed five-day padyatra would go ahead if the Centre does not respond positively, while stressing that the groups are still waiting for an assurance within the coming week.
The warning came a day after representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) met officials from the Home Ministry to discuss their demands concerning Ladakh’s political and constitutional future.
Among the key issues raised by the Ladakh groups are statehood, constitutional safeguards and the creation of an elected legislative mechanism for the Union Territory.
The representatives said they had expected the government to present a draft proposal for an elected UT-level body during the meeting. According to KDA representative Sajjad Kargili, the absence of such a draft was a major reason for their disappointment.
Kargili said the groups had travelled from Ladakh expecting discussions to move forward on a proposed elected body, an issue on which there is broad agreement among the stakeholders. He indicated that the groups would assess the government’s assurances only after receiving a concrete draft and examining its provisions.
The Home Ministry, however, described Wednesday’s meeting as positive.
The dispute over Ladakh’s political status has continued since the former state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and established as a Union Territory without its own legislature.
Since 2021, the LAB and KDA have held discussions with the Centre seeking greater political representation and safeguards for the region. Their demands have included statehood and constitutional protection for Ladakh’s land, culture and interests, along with an elected legislative body at the UT level.
The groups have also sought greater clarity over the division of administrative powers, including questions surrounding law and order.
With the next week likely to be crucial for negotiations, Wangchuk’s latest warning puts renewed pressure on the Centre to provide a clearer roadmap. If no assurance emerges, the proposed September 19-24 padyatra could bring the Ladakh demands back into the national spotlight.
