Ladakh groups say they reached breakthrough on legislative autonomy with Home Ministry

The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, representing Ladakh’s demand for Sixth Schedule status, announced a breakthrough after meeting the Ministry of Home Affairs sub-committee in Delhi. Both groups said the dialogue built on earlier in-principle accords from May 22 and July 3, covering legislative jurisdiction over land, culture, language, forests and other natural assets. The MHA stopped short of guaranteeing full powers under the Seventh Schedule’s Lists II and III, notably law-and-order, but committed to compensate families of victims from the September 24 2025 violence in Leh and to withdraw charges against 24 people while reviewing 34 cases individually.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra noted a “general air of positivity” and highlighted discussion of a unique governance model under Article 371. A subsequent round of talks is slated for the first week of October, as the groups expressed concern over new district formations and hill councils being created before an elected Union Territory legislature can decide. Negotiations have continued since 2023, with activist Sonam Wangchuk rejoining the table after his detention was lifted.