Ladakh's Quest for Statehood: Unresolved Demands and Political Turmoil

On Wednesday, a High Powered Committee meeting on Ladakh remained inconclusive, with Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance renewing demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. The meeting, chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, was the first since last year's violent protests.

Both groups emphasized activist Sonam Wangchuk's unconditional release, citing false allegations under the National Security Act. Wangchuk was detained last year after protests for statehood and schedule status resulted in fatalities and injuries. Talks on the groups' agenda were detailed yet ended with no firm conclusions.

The HPC meeting marked a resumption of suspended talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives. Amid ongoing sub-committee discussions, the government announced new reservation policies for Ladakh. The demands for self-governance and cultural protection remain contentious as regional leaders continue dialogues with central authorities.