L-G optimistic after recent Centre-level talks on Ladakh
Next meeting likely in 20 days
Days after a meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday expressed optimism about the outcome of the talks, indicating that the next round of discussions is likely to take place within the next 20 days.
He said the discussions were being held within the framework of the Constitution and in the national interest, expressing confidence that engagement with stakeholders would lead to a positive outcome.
The HPC meeting, held on February 4 in Delhi, remained inconclusive, with two prominent groups from the Union Territory — the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) — reiterating their demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the region.
During the meeting, chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, both groups also demanded the release of jailed activist Sonam Wangchuk and 70 other detainees. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured. The government had accused him of inciting the violence.
Rai said another meeting would be convened to continue discussions. “The HPC meeting lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours and was held in a positive atmosphere. To the best of my knowledge, the next round of discussions is likely to take place within the next 20 days. The talks are being held within the framework of the Constitution and in the national interest, and I strongly believe that the talks will be successful,” the Lt Governor said.
He declined to comment on the demand for Wangchuk’s release, stating that the matter was before the Supreme Court and was sub judice.
Referring to the Centre allocating more than Rs 4,869 crore to Ladakh in the Union Budget 2026–27 — around 33 per cent lower than the revised estimate of Rs 7,377.43 crore for the current fiscal — Gupta expressed gratitude to the Centre. “We know that whenever we place a demand for something, the Government of India fulfils it immediately,” he said.
He noted that Ladakh’s working season remains short due to heavy snowfall, making road construction difficult for much of the year. “Despite these constraints, continuous efforts are being made to achieve set targets. The Government of India is actively working to ensure road connectivity reaches every village. Significant development is also taking place in the fields of education and healthcare. We are confident that whenever demands are raised for more funds, the Government responds positively and fulfils them,” he said.
