The leaders of Ladakh met with representatives of the Union Home Ministry in Delhi for sub-committee level talks for the first time since the deadly pro-statehood protests in the Union Territory last month.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) demanded the immediate release of all arrested leaders, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the widely recognised face of the agitation. They also urged adequate compensation for the kin of the deceased.
Three representatives each from LAB and KDA, along with Ladakh MP Mohamad Haneefa Jan, took part in the discussions with a focus on their primary demand of statehood and safeguards for the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Previous talks between the Centre, LAB and KDA failed in the aftermath of the September 24 protests, with both Ladakh organisations staying away from the dialogue with the high-powered committee of the MHA slated for October 6. The last round of talks between the two sides was held in May.
Primary Focus On Wangchuk’s Release
KDA’s Sajjad Kargili said the representatives of Ladakh sought the immediate release of all those who were arrested and compensation for those killed in police firing. “We talked about those detained on 24th October, particularly the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. We also addressed compensation issues, especially for the four people who were killed and those injured on 24th September. We hope the MHA will provide a positive response, and we will meet again soon. Until then, this is part of the process, and we expect a positive outcome,” he said.
We demand the Government to ensure the immediate release of all detainees, including the leader of Leh Apex Body, Shri #SonamWangchuk.
Such a step will help create a more conducive and trustful atmosphere ahead of the next round of talks.#releaseSonamWangchuk pic.twitter.com/jMJw97yFR8— ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? | سجاد کرگلی (@SajjadKargili_) October 22, 2025
Haneefa said the leaders participated in it with an open mind for a positive outcome of their demand for statehood for Ladakh. “This was our first meeting, and we can’t expect much from it. But we raised the issue of immediate release of all those who were arrested on or after September 24, including Sonam Wangchuk,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
This came after the Home Ministry ordered a judicial probe into the Ladakh violence, led by retired Supreme Court judge B S Chauhan, amid attempts to restore dialogue with the representatives of the ongoing movement.
Ladakh Violence
On September 25, the violence broke out during protests seeking statehood for Ladakh. Protesters resorted to violence, pelted stones on security forces, burnt offices and vehicles, which led to deaths and injuries. The BJP office was vandalised and set on fire, as were several vehicles.
At least four people were killed and 90 were injured as police resorted to firing and teargas shelling to bring the situation under control. Wangchuk was later arrested for inciting the mob that turned violent over the demand for statehood for Ladakh. He was arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) and is currently lodged in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Jail.
The Centre alleged that the mob violence was guided by the “provocative statements” of activist Wangchuk, and certain “politically motivated” individuals were not happy with the progress made in the ongoing talks between the representatives of the government and Ladakhi groups.
(with agency inputs)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176105291132015686.webp)
