New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has accused the Centre of failing to honour its commitments to Ladakh, expressing disappointment over the delay in the next round of negotiations between the Union government and representatives of the Union Territory.
In a video message on Thursday, Wangchuk said Ladakh’s leaders had been expecting talks in New Delhi on October 22 after officials from the Union Home Ministry indicated that discussions would resume on that date. However, the representatives had not received an invitation, leaving the proposed meeting uncertain.
Wangchuk said he had booked his travel tickets in anticipation of the meeting, only to learn that the discussions would not take place as expected. He alleged that the Centre was repeatedly stepping back from assurances made to the people of Ladakh.
He also raised concerns over the region’s political representation and its demand for constitutional safeguards, arguing that residents should have greater control over decisions affecting their future.
Wangchuk raises concerns over democracy and border security
Highlighting Ladakh’s sensitive geographical position, Wangchuk said residents were already facing pressure because of tensions along the border with China. He expressed frustration that the region’s demands for greater protection and democratic representation had not been adequately addressed by the Indian government.
The activist argued that people in Ladakh wanted a stronger say in their political future through democratic processes. He identified the extension of safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution as one of the key commitments that, in his view, remained unfulfilled.
The Sixth Schedule provides special administrative arrangements for certain tribal areas in northeastern India. Ladakh’s representatives have been seeking comparable constitutional protections to safeguard the region’s tribal identity, land and resources.
Ladakh leaders reject Centre’s draft proposal
The latest disagreement follows a meeting between Ladakh representatives and Union Home Ministry officials in Leh last week. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which represent key political and social interests in the region, rejected the draft proposal presented by the Centre.
Both organisations alleged that the proposal fell short of assurances given during earlier discussions in May. Following the meeting, the two groups said another round of negotiations would take place in New Delhi on October 22 to resolve outstanding differences.
However, the absence of a formal invitation has raised fresh doubts about the immediate progress of the dialogue.
In response to the rejection of the draft, the Ladakh administration reiterated on Saturday that the Centre remained committed to reaching a political settlement at the earliest. It also criticised the reaction of the region’s leadership, expressing disappointment that the proposal had been dismissed within two hours of being received.
The exchange has highlighted the continuing differences between the two sides over the framework needed to address Ladakh’s political and constitutional demands.
Earlier negotiations failed to deliver a breakthrough
The latest impasse follows another round of discussions held in New Delhi on September 9. The LAB and KDA had described that meeting as a “non-starter”, arguing that it produced no meaningful progress on the major issues facing the Union Territory.
During talks in May, representatives of Ladakh and the Centre had reportedly reached an in-principle understanding on extending constitutional protections along the lines of Articles 371A, 371F and 371G. These provisions provide special arrangements and protections for Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram, respectively.
Ladakh’s representatives have been pressing for safeguards that would protect the region’s distinct cultural identity, tribal interests and control over local resources.
With the proposed October 22 meeting yet to be confirmed, uncertainty continues to surround the next stage of negotiations. Wangchuk’s latest remarks have added to the pressure on the Centre to clarify its position and provide a clear path towards addressing Ladakh’s longstanding demands.
