Leh, Apr 27 — The Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to hold direct, “decision-level” talks during his visit to Ladakh this week, saying the scheduled May 22 sub-committee meeting would not resolve long-pending demands.
The appeal followed an announcement by Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena that the Ministry of Home Affairs will convene a sub-committee meeting for political dialogue with Ladakh groups on May 22. The last such meeting was held in early February.
LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been in talks with the Centre since 2021 over a four-point agenda that includes statehood for Ladakh and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said the Home Minister’s visit on April 30 presents an opportunity for meaningful engagement at the highest level.
“It is well understood that discussions at the sub-committee level—at the level of secretaries—do not involve decision-making authorities,” Wangchuk said. “Even if the May 22 meeting takes place, there is concern that months could pass again without any resolution.”
“That is why all our members have suggested that since the Home Minister is visiting Ladakh, he should chair a meeting with the LAB and the KDA,” he added.
Wangchuk said earlier interactions with Shah had included assurances that he would personally chair such meetings and could consider holding them in Ladakh. “This visit presents the best possible opportunity,” he said.
LAB leaders maintained that there is little left for further deliberation at the sub-committee level. “Now is the time for decisions,” said Ashraf Barcha, adding that a joint meeting under the High-Powered Committee framework in Ladakh would “boost the confidence of the people.”
Calling the proposed sub-committee meeting “completely meaningless,” LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay said the government should clearly state its position on key demands. “If statehood or Sixth Schedule safeguards are not being considered, the government should say so. If not these, then what is the alternative?” he said.
Wangchuk also called for immediate trust-building measures ahead of the visit. “Revoking cases and announcing compensation will help confidence-building among the people,” he said, referring to developments following protests in September last year.
He added that the LAB and KDA would continue to present a unified position. “We will once again try to ensure that we speak in one unified voice,” Dorjay said.
Shah is scheduled to arrive in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit. The Lt Governor said he will pay respects to sacred relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima on May 1.