Ladakh talks resume after month-long break, but trust remains shaky
Talks between the central government and Ladakh's top local groups, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), are back on after a month-long pause caused by deadly protests in September.
Leaders met in Delhi this week to discuss big issues like statehood, tribal protections under the Sixth Schedule, local job reservations, and freeing detained activists.
Locals worried about losing control over land, culture, jobs
Many in Ladakh have felt left out since becoming a Union Territory in 2019, worried about losing control over their land, culture, and jobs.
The government has now agreed to a judicial inquiry into last month's violence—something locals pushed for before resuming talks.
But with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk still in detention and calls for victim compensation unresolved, trust remains shaky.
The next few weeks will show if these talks can actually deliver the justice and autonomy people want.