Srinagar, Oct 15: The crucial dialogue between representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and key socio-political leaders of Ladakh ended inconclusively after discussions focused on core regional demands, including constitutional safeguards and a UT-level elected body for Ladakh. However, both sides agreed to keep channels of communication open, with the next round of formal talks likely to be held on October 22.
The meeting aimed to address long-standing grievances raised by civil society groups representing Leh and Kargil districts. Representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the joint coalition spearheading the agitation, attended the sub-committee-level meeting, scheduled for 4 pm. Ladakh MP Haji Haneefa Jan, CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffar Akhoon and Home Ministry officials were also present.
The talks followed the September 9 meeting between the two sides in New Delhi, where an understanding was reached on a Ladakh-level elected body and safeguards under the special provision of Article 371 of the Constitution.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, LAB president Chering Dorjey said the MHA had presented a draft proposal regarding a UT-level body for Ladakh. He added that the draft would be studied in detail and that the LAB and KDA would submit their response soon. He said discussions had been held but no conclusion had been reached.
“We entered the meeting with a positive outlook, but the outcome fell short of our expectations,” said Asgar Karbalai, co-chairman of the KDA. “However, dialogue is a process, and we remain hopeful that concrete progress will be made in the upcoming sessions.”
Despite the lack of an immediate breakthrough, both sides underscored the importance of sustained negotiations. The sub-committee and civil society representatives are expected to meet in New Delhi on October 22, where detailed draft proposals and specific policy frameworks are likely to be reviewed.
The LAB was represented by Chering Dorjey, Lakruk, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association. The KDA was represented by Sajjad Kargili, Asgar Ali Karbalai and Ghulam Rasool Naqvi.
Haneefa Jan, Lok Sabha member from Ladakh; Thupstan Chhewang, former MP; Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, chairman of the Kargil Hill Development Council; and Tashi Gyalson, former chairman of the Leh Hill Development Council, also attended the meeting.
Senior Ladakh bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, and senior MHA officials were present at the sub-committee meeting.
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