The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced that it will not engage in any discussions with the Central Government until all allegations against Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakh activist, are fully withdrawn. KDA co-Chairman Asgar Karbalai emphasized the alliance’s resolute stance, demanding immediate action from the Centre.&nbsp;Additionally, the KDA has called for a judicial probe into the recent firing incident in Leh, which resulted in casualties, and the unconditional release of all individuals arrested during related protests.<h3>Leh Apex Body withdraws from talks with centre</h3>Meanwhile, the Apex Body Leh on Monday announced to withdraw from negotiations, stating it will not engage with the Ministry of Home Affairs' High-Powered Committee (HPC) until peace and normalcy are fully restored in the region. At a press conference on Monday, Thupstan Chhewang, Chairman Leh Apex Body (LAB) expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled expectations following Ladakh's designation as a Union Territory. "We anticipated that granting Ladakh UT status would ensure justice and protect our rights and identity," a spokesperson stated. "However, the decision to establish the UT without legislative safeguards, coupled with the abrogation of Article 370, has stripped away the protections that once preserved our unique identity and rights." To secure our fundamental rights, we were compelled to protest. Initially, the Central Government offered assurances, but no tangible actions followed. Our four core demands have remained consistent from the outset. Tragically, the administration resorted to excessive force, resulting in the loss of four lives. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Despite ongoing communication with the Central Government and plans to attend a scheduled meeting with the Home Ministry tomorrow, the current unrest has led us to suspend participation in any talks until peace is restored. The Apex Body urges the Home Ministry to take immediate steps to stabilise the situation and address our concerns. In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement saying, “Government has always been open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time.” “We would continue to welcome the discussion with ABL and KDA through the HPC on Ladakh or any such platform. The dialogue mechanism established with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh has yielded good results till date in the form of increased reservations to the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh, providing women reservation in LAHDCs and protection to local languages. The process of recruitment for 1800 posts in government has already commenced in UT of Ladakh,” the statement added. “We are confident that continuous dialogue would yield the desired results in near future.”

The KDA has called for a judicial probe into the recent firing incident in Leh, which resulted in casualties, and the unconditional release of all individuals arrested during related protests.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced that it will not engage in any discussions with the Central Government until all allegations against Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakh activist, are fully withdrawn. KDA co-Chairman Asgar Karbalai emphasized the alliance’s resolute stance, demanding immediate action from the Centre. Additionally, the KDA has called for a judicial probe into the recent firing incident in Leh, which resulted in casualties, and the unconditional release of all individuals arrested during related protests. Leh Apex Body withdraws from talks with centre Meanwhile, the Apex Body Leh on Monday announced to withdraw from negotiations, stating it will not engage with the Ministry of Home Affairs' High-Powered Committee (HPC) until peace and normalcy are fully restored in the region. At a press conference on Monday, Thupstan Chhewang, Chairman Leh Apex Body (LAB) expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled expectations following Ladakh's designation as a Union Territory. "We anticipated that granting Ladakh UT status would ensure justice and protect our rights and identity," a spokesperson stated. "However, the decision to establish the UT without legislative safeguards, coupled with the abrogation of Article 370, has stripped away the protections that once preserved our unique identity and rights." To secure our fundamental rights, we were compelled to protest. Initially, the Central Government offered assurances, but no tangible actions followed. Our four core demands have remained consistent from the outset. Tragically, the administration resorted to excessive force, resulting in the loss of four lives. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Despite ongoing communication with the Central Government and plans to attend a scheduled meeting with the Home Ministry tomorrow, the current unrest has led us to suspend participation in any talks until peace is restored. The Apex Body urges the Home Ministry to take immediate steps to stabilise the situation and address our concerns. In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement saying, “Government has always been open for dialogues on Ladakh matters with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) at any time.” “We would continue to welcome the discussion with ABL and KDA through the HPC on Ladakh or any such platform. The dialogue mechanism established with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) through the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh has yielded good results till date in the form of increased reservations to the Scheduled Tribes of Ladakh, providing women reservation in LAHDCs and protection to local languages. The process of recruitment for 1800 posts in government has already commenced in UT of Ladakh,” the statement added. “We are confident that continuous dialogue would yield the desired results in near future.”

The KDA has called for a judicial probe into the recent firing incident in Leh, which resulted in casualties, and the unconditional release of all individuals arrested during related protests.

KDA decided not to engage with Centre till all allegations against Sonam Wangchuk retracted

The recent protests in Ladakh, which turned violent on Wednesday (September 24), have been driven by demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and a call for statehood. At least four people lost their lives in the clashes, and the unrest intensified after the Leh Apex Body’s (LAB) youth wing organised a protest and a shutdown following the hospitalisation of two individuals on hunger strike.&nbsp;The Centre has scheduled talks between Ladakh's representatives—including LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—for October 6. However, the Centre’s unilateral decision to set this date triggered more protests. At the core of the issue is Ladakh’s demand to be governed under the Sixth Schedule, which would offer the region greater autonomy and tribal protections. In 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory after being separated from Jammu and Kashmir. For over seven decades, Ladakhis had been advocating for this move, claiming their needs were ignored by the former state government of Jammu and Kashmir.<h2>What is the Sixth Schedule?</h2>The Sixth Schedule governs the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—by granting these regions substantial autonomy. It allows tribal communities to manage local affairs, providing them with a more significant role in governance and decision-making.&nbsp;Protestors in Ladakh are calling for similar protections under the Sixth Schedule. This would mean the establishment of autonomous districts within the region, with local District Councils that would have the power to legislate and manage resources. The councils would consist of up to 30 members, with a portion elected by the local population, and the governor allowed to nominate some members. The Schedule also gives these councils jurisdiction over legal matters and allows the governor to dissolve councils upon the recommendation of a special commission.<h2>Can the Sixth Schedule Be Amended?</h2>Yes, the Indian Parliament has the power to amend the Sixth Schedule through legislation, adding, altering, or repealing provisions as necessary. Any amendments automatically update the references to the Schedule in the Constitution.

Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding?

The recent protests in Ladakh, which turned violent on Wednesday (September 24), have been driven by demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and a call for statehood. At least four people lost their lives in the clashes, and the unrest intensified after the Leh Apex Body’s (LAB) youth wing organised a protest and a shutdown following the hospitalisation of two individuals on hunger strike. The Centre has scheduled talks between Ladakh's representatives—including LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—for October 6. However, the Centre’s unilateral decision to set this date triggered more protests. At the core of the issue is Ladakh’s demand to be governed under the Sixth Schedule, which would offer the region greater autonomy and tribal protections. In 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory after being separated from Jammu and Kashmir. For over seven decades, Ladakhis had been advocating for this move, claiming their needs were ignored by the former state government of Jammu and Kashmir. What is the Sixth Schedule? The Sixth Schedule governs the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—by granting these regions substantial autonomy. It allows tribal communities to manage local affairs, providing them with a more significant role in governance and decision-making. Protestors in Ladakh are calling for similar protections under the Sixth Schedule. This would mean the establishment of autonomous districts within the region, with local District Councils that would have the power to legislate and manage resources. The councils would consist of up to 30 members, with a portion elected by the local population, and the governor allowed to nominate some members. The Schedule also gives these councils jurisdiction over legal matters and allows the governor to dissolve councils upon the recommendation of a special commission. Can the Sixth Schedule Be Amended? Yes, the Indian Parliament has the power to amend the Sixth Schedule through legislation, adding, altering, or repealing provisions as necessary. Any amendments automatically update the references to the Schedule in the Constitution.

Ladakh protests intensify over demands for Sixth Schedule protections and statehood, following violent clashes and calls for greater tribal autonomy

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KDA decided not to engage with Centre till all allegations against Sonam Wangchuk retracted

Protesters demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. What is it?