Leh, April 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The last meeting was held in early February.
Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been jointly engaged in dialogue with the Centre since 2021 over their key demands, including statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, have been demanding the resumption of talks.
On April 14, the Lt Governor, who took charge in March, expressed confidence that the ongoing dialogue between LAB- KDA and the Centre will lead to a resolution, asserting that he remains available to support the process whenever required.
A day later, the KDA called for an immediate resumption of talks, asserting that they remain open to any fresh proposal from the centre, excluding council-based arrangements.
On April 18, former J-K Member of Legislative Assembly Deldan Namgyal and LAHDC Leh Councillor Smanla Dorje were released after spending nearly seven months in prison in connection with the violence during protests in September that had left four persons dead and scores injured. Both LAB and KDA were consistently pressing for their release.
This came over a month after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on March 14 following the Cente’s decision to revoke his detention with immediate effect. Wangchuk was taken into custody on September 26 under the National Security Act pursuant to an order issued by the Leh district magistrate in connection with the violence.
The sub-committee was formed following a meeting held on February 19, 2024, between the High Powered Committee and a 14-member delegation of LAB and KDA, representing various organisations of the Union Territory. (PTI)
