Talks between Ladakh’s civil society groups and the Centre are set to resume on October 22, following weeks of tension after the September 24 violence in Leh that left four people dead in police firing.
The decision comes after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered a judicial probe into the incident, paving the way for renewed dialogue.
The violence erupted during protests demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
The unrest intensified after the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA).
In response, the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had withdrawn from talks scheduled for October 6, demanding an independent judicial inquiry before any further discussions with the Centre.
On Thursday, the MHA announced that a judicial investigation would be conducted by former Supreme Court judge Justice B. S. Chauhan to examine the circumstances that led to the violent clashes, police action, and subsequent deaths. This move has helped restore a measure of trust between the government and Ladakh’s civil society groups.
According to ABL co-chair Chhering Dorje Lakruk, the upcoming meeting will involve three representatives each from ABL and KDA, senior MHA officials, and the Ladakh MP. However, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who heads the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh, will not attend due to prior commitments in Bihar. Instead, the joint secretary for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is expected to lead the discussions.
Officials said the October 22 dialogue will focus on Ladakh’s key demands - statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Other issues, including police action during the September violence and cases filed against protesters, will be taken up later by the HPC once Rai re-joins the talks.
The September 24 protests had turned violent when a section of youth reportedly resorted to stone-pelting and arson, torching the BJP’s Leh office and government buildings. Police firing to control the situation resulted in four deaths, including that of a Kargil war veteran. Wangchuk was later accused of inciting the crowd and remains in custody at Jodhpur jail. More than 50 others were detained, though many have since been granted bail.
Earlier, ABL leaders had expressed anger over what they described as an attempt to portray Ladakh’s movement as anti-national. They had also demanded the withdrawal of charges against protesters and an apology for statements linking them to foreign influences.
Sources within the MHA said the government has assured Ladakh’s representatives that such concerns will be addressed in future meetings of the HPC. For now, both sides appear prepared to return to the table, signaling a tentative but important step toward reconciliation in the region.