- After Wangchuk’s release, Ladakh restates core demands
JAMMU/Ladakh, Mar 16: Leh and Kargil on Monday witnessed massive and peaceful rallies as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance intensified pressure on the Centre for early resumption of talks on Ladakh’s key demands, including Statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule.
The twin protests, held amid tight security, marked a major public mobilization in Ladakh months after the September 24, 2025 violence in Leh in which four civilians were killed and around 90 persons, including several security personnel, were injured.
Despite heightened vigil and restrictions, the rallies in both Leh and Kargil passed off peacefully, with senior leaders of the LAB and KDA addressing large gatherings and reiterating their demand for constitutional safeguards and political empowerment for Ladakh.
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk said no fresh communication had so far been received from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the next round of talks.
“We will wait for the response from the MHA before deciding the future course of action,” Lakruk said after the rally in Leh.
The protests assumed significance as they came just two days after the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been detained under the National Security Act following the September 2025 unrest. Wangchuk’s release by the Centre was seen as a move to facilitate further dialogue with Ladakh’s stakeholders, but no formal invitation for talks has yet been issued.
The last round of talks between the Centre and representatives of LAB and KDA was held on February 4. During that meeting, the Ladakh groups had strongly pressed for the release of Wangchuk and other detainees, besides reiterating their core demands of Statehood and Sixth Schedule protection.
In Leh, the rally began at Singay Namgyal Chowk and culminated at the polo ground, with protesters, including a sizeable number of women, marching in support of the LAB-KDA agenda. Slogans in favour of Statehood and constitutional safeguards echoed through the town as the demonstrators moved under strict police surveillance.
Though the LAB had not formally called for a shutdown, business activity remained largely affected in Leh town, with most shops staying closed during the protest and public address by the leaders.
Director General of Police, Ladakh, Mukesh Singh, personally visited the Singay Namgyal Chowk area to review security arrangements. Additional police and security forces were deployed across Leh to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Some participants were also seen carrying photographs of the four civilians killed in the September 2025 firing, underlining that the memory of the violence continues to shape the public mood in Ladakh.
A similar show of strength was witnessed in Kargil, where a large rally was held under the banner of the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Kargil town and adjoining Drass observed a near-total shutdown, with shops and business establishments closed and only limited movement of vehicles visible on the roads.
KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai and Member of Parliament Haneefa Jan were among those who addressed the gathering. They reiterated the demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, and also called for the release of jailed activists and withdrawal of cases registered in connection with last year’s violence in Leh.
Lakruk thanked the people of Ladakh for turning out in large numbers despite barricading, restrictions and a heavy security presence.
“I congratulate the people of Ladakh for maintaining complete peace despite strong provocation,” he said, describing the rally as a “big success”.
He added that the turnout had sent a clear message to those questioning the public support enjoyed by the Apex Body and the KDA.
Monday’s rallies have once again brought Ladakh’s political demands to the forefront and signalled that public pressure on the Centre is far from over. With no fresh invitation for talks from the MHA so far, all eyes are now on New Delhi’s next move.