Fri Jan 16 18:45:15 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Ladakh Talks Resume Amidst Protests and Demands for Constitutional Safeguards

The Story:

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has scheduled a new round of meetings with civil society leaders from Ladakh for February 4, 2026. These talks, led by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, follow a three-month hiatus since the last meeting on October 22, 2025. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing the Leh and Kargil districts, respectively, are key participants. The talks occur against a backdrop of escalating tensions, triggered by the deaths of four protestors in September 2025, who were advocating for Ladakhi Statehood.

Key Points:

  • The MHA will meet with Ladakh civil society leaders on February 4, 2026.
  • The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are demanding inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (tribal status) and Statehood for Ladakh.
  • The previous talks occurred on October 22, 2025, after police action against protestors seeking Ladakhi Statehood resulted in four deaths.
  • The LAB and KDA have been asked to submit a draft framework for constitutional safeguards.
  • The groups are demanding the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, imprisoned since September 26, 2025, and compensation for families affected by the violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The resumption of talks indicates the central government’s attempt to de-escalate tensions in Ladakh.
  • The core demands of the LAB and KDA – Sixth Schedule inclusion and Statehood – represent a significant challenge to the current administrative structure of Ladakh.
  • The imprisonment of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist, has further fueled the unrest and complicated the negotiation process.
  • The demand for compensation highlights the deep-seated grievances stemming from the police action and the loss of life.

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