The Apex Body Leh has announced its decision 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.&nbsp;At a press conference today, 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."&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<h2>MHA says ‘govt always open for dialogue’</h2>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.”&nbsp;“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.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Leh allowed relaxation in curfew, ordering the reopening of groceries, essential services, hardware and vegetable shops between 10 am to 2 pm.

At a press conference today, Thupstan Chhewang, Chairman Leh Apex Body (LAB) expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled expectations following Ladakh's designation as a Union Territory.

The Apex Body Leh has announced its decision 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 today, 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. MHA says ‘govt always open for dialogue’ 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.” Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Leh allowed relaxation in curfew, ordering the reopening of groceries, essential services, hardware and vegetable shops between 10 am to 2 pm.

At a press conference today, Thupstan Chhewang, Chairman Leh Apex Body (LAB), expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled expectations following Ladakh's designation as a Union Territory.

Leh Apex Body withdraws from talks with centre, MHA says ‘govt always open for dialogue’

Protests in Leh over statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution spiralled into violence on September 24, leaving four people dead and several others injured. Demonstrators set a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office ablaze, and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) van was torched as police used teargas to disperse crowds. Even thought the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta said that the overall security situation is normal now, the violence marks one of the worst episodes of unrest in Ladakh in decades, reflecting deep dissatisfaction over governance and fears of cultural and demographic marginalisation.&nbsp;<h2>From Article 370 to Union Territory status</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The current discontent has its roots in August 2019, when the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. This move bifurcated the former state into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one. While many Ladakhis initially welcomed direct rule from New Delhi, the absence of legislative powers, combined with the growing demand for protections under the Sixth Schedule, has since triggered resentment. Protestors argue that Ladakh’s tribal identity, fragile ecology, and unique culture remain vulnerable without constitutional safeguards.&nbsp;<h2>The borders!</h2>&nbsp;Ladakh’s borders are of immense strategic importance. To the west, it faces Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan and the sensitive Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, is also part of this border, making it militarily crucial for India. To the north, it borders China’s Xinjiang region through Aksai Chin, which India claims but is under Chinese control; and to the east, it touches the Tibet Autonomous Region along the contested Line of Actual Control, including flashpoints like Galwan and Pangong Tso. Additionally, Pakistan’s ceding of Shaksgam Valley to China in 1963 remains disputed. For India, Ladakh serves as both a security buffer and a key to Himalayan geopolitics.&nbsp;Ladakh is not only a cultural crossroads but also a region of longstanding geopolitical importance. Historically, it served as a vital hub on the trans-Himalayan trade routes linking India with Tibet and Central Asia. Goods such as silk, salt, and pashmina wool moved through Leh’s bustling bazaars, enriching the region and making it a meeting point of diverse civilisations. Over centuries, the spread of Tibetan Buddhism, Mughal suzerainty, and Dogra conquest each left enduring legacies on Ladakh’s social and political fabric.&nbsp;The region’s annexation by General Zorawar Singh in 1834 brought it under the Dogra kingdom of Jammu, after which it was integrated into the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Following India’s independence in 1947, Ladakh became part of the new Indian Union, though its cultural and geographic distance from Srinagar remained a source of local dissatisfaction.&nbsp;<h2>The China factor and strategic relevance</h2>&nbsp;Ladakh’s importance in India’s security calculus cannot be overstated. In the late 1950s, tensions with China escalated after Beijing built a road through Aksai Chin, linking Xinjiang with Tibet. The publication of a Chinese map in 1958, depicting Ladakh as part of China, further strained ties and foreshadowed the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Since then, Ladakh has remained at the heart of border disputes, with recurring stand-offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).Today, Ladakh’s strategic significance stems from its location at the intersection of India’s borders with China and Pakistan. The presence of the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, and the region’s proximity to the Karakoram Pass underline its military importance. At the same time, its fragile ecology and tribal demographics make the demand for constitutional protections pressing.&nbsp;The recent violence reflects Ladakh’s unresolved anxieties about its political future. While New Delhi insists that the Union Territory status strengthens national security, local voices argue for statehood or inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to safeguard land rights, employment, and cultural heritage.&nbsp;

The violence marks one of the worst episodes of unrest in Ladakh in decades, reflecting deep dissatisfaction over governance and fears of cultural and demographic marginalisation.

Protests in Leh over statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution spiralled into violence on September 24, leaving four people dead and several others injured. Demonstrators set a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office ablaze, and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) van was torched as police used teargas to disperse crowds. Even thought the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta said that the overall security situation is normal now, the violence marks one of the worst episodes of unrest in Ladakh in decades, reflecting deep dissatisfaction over governance and fears of cultural and demographic marginalisation. From Article 370 to Union Territory status The current discontent has its roots in August 2019, when the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. This move bifurcated the former state into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one. While many Ladakhis initially welcomed direct rule from New Delhi, the absence of legislative powers, combined with the growing demand for protections under the Sixth Schedule, has since triggered resentment. Protestors argue that Ladakh’s tribal identity, fragile ecology, and unique culture remain vulnerable without constitutional safeguards. The borders! Ladakh’s borders are of immense strategic importance. To the west, it faces Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan and the sensitive Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, is also part of this border, making it militarily crucial for India. To the north, it borders China’s Xinjiang region through Aksai Chin, which India claims but is under Chinese control; and to the east, it touches the Tibet Autonomous Region along the contested Line of Actual Control, including flashpoints like Galwan and Pangong Tso. Additionally, Pakistan’s ceding of Shaksgam Valley to China in 1963 remains disputed. For India, Ladakh serves as both a security buffer and a key to Himalayan geopolitics. Ladakh is not only a cultural crossroads but also a region of longstanding geopolitical importance. Historically, it served as a vital hub on the trans-Himalayan trade routes linking India with Tibet and Central Asia. Goods such as silk, salt, and pashmina wool moved through Leh’s bustling bazaars, enriching the region and making it a meeting point of diverse civilisations. Over centuries, the spread of Tibetan Buddhism, Mughal suzerainty, and Dogra conquest each left enduring legacies on Ladakh’s social and political fabric. The region’s annexation by General Zorawar Singh in 1834 brought it under the Dogra kingdom of Jammu, after which it was integrated into the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Following India’s independence in 1947, Ladakh became part of the new Indian Union, though its cultural and geographic distance from Srinagar remained a source of local dissatisfaction. The China factor and strategic relevance Ladakh’s importance in India’s security calculus cannot be overstated. In the late 1950s, tensions with China escalated after Beijing built a road through Aksai Chin, linking Xinjiang with Tibet. The publication of a Chinese map in 1958, depicting Ladakh as part of China, further strained ties and foreshadowed the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Since then, Ladakh has remained at the heart of border disputes, with recurring stand-offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Today, Ladakh’s strategic significance stems from its location at the intersection of India’s borders with China and Pakistan. The presence of the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, and the region’s proximity to the Karakoram Pass underline its military importance. At the same time, its fragile ecology and tribal demographics make the demand for constitutional protections pressing. The recent violence reflects Ladakh’s unresolved anxieties about its political future. While New Delhi insists that the Union Territory status strengthens national security, local voices argue for statehood or inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to safeguard land rights, employment, and cultural heritage.

The violence marks one of the worst episodes of unrest in Ladakh in decades, reflecting deep dissatisfaction over governance and fears of cultural and demographic marginalisation.

Ladakh violence over statehood: Why this union territory is central to India’s security and geopolitics |Explained

UTs in the Northeast are covered by the Sixth Schedule, which protects tribal rights, land ownership, and culture. Ladakh, despite being majority tribal, was left out of this framework. Protesters argue this omission makes Ladakh’s case unique compared to other regions.

Why Ladakh’s case is unique and how other union territories in India compare

Granting statehood means creating new governance structures, an assembly, bureaucracy, and institutions. This would increase administrative and financial responsibilities for New Delhi.

'Ladakh violence': What India might lose or gain by granting statehood

Ladakh’s tribal population fears losing land, jobs, and identity after the region became a Union Territory in 2019. The Sixth Schedule is seen as a legal guarantee to safeguard their rights against outside settlers and investors.

What is 'Sixth Schedule'? Why Ladakh protesters want it and what it means

The government of India on Wednesday (Sep 24) accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violent protests in the Leh, in which four people were dead and over 60 injured. Protesters were demanding statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” triggered the unrest. According to officials, his hunger strike and speeches encouraged the crowd and later they attacked BJP and government offices, set vehicles and buildings on fire and injured more than 30 police and CRPF personnel.&nbsp;Earlier, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to clashes with police. Security forces responded with tear gas shells and baton charges. Following the violence, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and banned gatherings of more than five people. Following this, Wangchuk called off his hunger strike and urged people to stay peaceful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-blames-sonam-wangchuk-for-violence-in-ladakh-protest-provocative-mentions-of-arab-spring-nepal-genz-protest-1758734937453">Indian government blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest: 'Provocative mentions of Arab Spring, Nepal GenZ protest'</a><h2>Who is Sonam Wangchuk?</h2>Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, known for his eco-friendly innovations. He designed the SECMOL campus, which runs entirely on solar power without using fossil fuels for cooking, heating and lighting. Wangchuk gained limelight in 2009 with Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which is inspired by his life story. While many refer to him as "The real life Phunsukh Wangdu", he denies it.&nbsp;Born in 1966 near Alchi in Leh district, Wangchuk studied in Srinagar in his early days but later moved to Delhi for higher education. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar in 1987, and went on to found SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). Through projects like “Operation New Hope,” he worked with locals and the government to improve education in the region. He also went for Earthen Architecture at Craterre School of Architecture in Grenoble, France, in 2011.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-protest-kills-4-sonam-wangchuk-calls-off-hunger-strike-what-are-the-key-demands-of-protesters-1758726325882">Ladakh protest kills 4, Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike - What are the key demands of protesters?</a>&nbsp;Over the years, Wangchuk has been involved in various NGOs, edited Ladags Melong magazine, and created sustainable solutions such as the Ice Stupa (an artificial glacier to store water) and solar-powered tents for the Indian Army. Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.



Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.

The government of India on Wednesday (Sep 24) accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violent protests in the Leh, in which four people were dead and over 60 injured. Protesters were demanding statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Ministry of Home Affairs said Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” triggered the unrest. According to officials, his hunger strike and speeches encouraged the crowd and later they attacked BJP and government offices, set vehicles and buildings on fire and injured more than 30 police and CRPF personnel. Earlier, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to clashes with police. Security forces responded with tear gas shells and baton charges. Following the violence, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and banned gatherings of more than five people. Following this, Wangchuk called off his hunger strike and urged people to stay peaceful. Also Read - Indian government blames Sonam Wangchuk for violence in Ladakh protest: 'Provocative mentions of Arab Spring, Nepal GenZ protest' Who is Sonam Wangchuk? Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, known for his eco-friendly innovations. He designed the SECMOL campus, which runs entirely on solar power without using fossil fuels for cooking, heating and lighting. Wangchuk gained limelight in 2009 with Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which is inspired by his life story. While many refer to him as "The real life Phunsukh Wangdu", he denies it. Born in 1966 near Alchi in Leh district, Wangchuk studied in Srinagar in his early days but later moved to Delhi for higher education. He pursued Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar in 1987, and went on to found SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). Through projects like “Operation New Hope,” he worked with locals and the government to improve education in the region. He also went for Earthen Architecture at Craterre School of Architecture in Grenoble, France, in 2011. Also Read - Ladakh protest kills 4, Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike - What are the key demands of protesters? Over the years, Wangchuk has been involved in various NGOs, edited Ladags Melong magazine, and created sustainable solutions such as the Ice Stupa (an artificial glacier to store water) and solar-powered tents for the Indian Army. Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.

Previously in March 2024, he went on a fast-unto-death to demand constitutional safeguards. He advocates protection from industrial and mining lobbies in Ladakh and also started a 21-day Climate Fast.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk? Person behind Ladakh protest, now accused by Centre for violence through 'provocative statements'

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Leh Apex Body withdraws from talks with centre, MHA says ‘govt always open for dialogue’

Why Ladakh is central to India’s security and geopolitics |Explained

Why Ladakh’s case is unique and how other union territories in India compare

'Ladakh violence': What India might lose or gain by granting statehood

What is 'Sixth Schedule'? Why Ladakh protesters want it and what it means

Who is Sonam Wangchuk? Person behind Ladakh protest, now accused for violence