Ladakh Leaders Push for Direct Talks with Amit Shah Following LG’s May 22 Sub-Committee Meeting Announcement

Leh, Apr 27: Ladakh’s representative groups have intensified their demand for high-level engagement, with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) urging direct, decision level talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit to the region.
The appeal comes after Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs will convene a sub-committee meeting on May 22 to continue political dialogue with local groups.

Sub-Committee Talks Face Criticism
LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), described the proposed meeting as insufficient, arguing that discussions at the bureaucratic level have already been exhausted.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said such meetings lack decision making authority, which has resulted in prolonged delays without concrete outcomes.
He cautioned that continued reliance on sub-committee discussions could further stall progress, with no resolution in sight even after months.

Demand for Decision-Level Dialogue
Leaders believe that Amit Shah’s visit on April 30 presents a crucial opportunity to hold direct talks involving top decision-makers.
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay and other members stressed that a joint  in Ladakh itself would be both practical and meaningful.
Senior member Ashraf Barcha said there is little left to deliberate, emphasizing that the time has come for clear decisions rather than repeated discussions.

Core Issues Still Unresolved
LAB and KDA have been in dialogue with the Centre since 2021, focusing on a four-point agenda that includes statehood for Ladakh and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Leaders asserted that if these demands cannot be met, the government should clearly outline alternative proposals instead of prolonging uncertainty.

Call for Confidence-Building Measures
Sonam Wangchuk also highlighted the need for immediate trust-building steps ahead of the Home Minister’s visit.
He called for withdrawal of cases related to past protests and compensation for those affected, stating that such measures would help restore public confidence.
Wangchuk was earlier detained under the National Security Act in September and released in March after the government revoked his detention.

Unified Stand by Regional Groups
LAB and KDA reaffirmed their intention to present a united voice, avoiding internal differences to strengthen their position in negotiations.
They expressed hope that direct engagement with the Home Minister would accelerate resolution and reassure the people of Ladakh.

Key Visit Ahead
Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit. During his stay, he will also pay respects to sacred relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima on May 1.
Local leaders see this visit as a significant moment that could shape the future course of Ladakh’s long-pending demands.