Ladakh talks remain politically significant

The political dialogue between Ladakh representatives and the Centre remains significant as the Union Territory marks the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 violence in Leh. The latest development is the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people booked in connection with the violence, while discussions over Ladakh’s political representation, constitutional safeguards and governance structure continue.

The Ladakh administration announced the withdrawal of the cases on September 23, 2026, following a review by the police. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the decision was taken in the larger interest of peace, public tranquillity and social harmony. The cases relate to an FIR registered at the Leh police station in connection with the violence.

The latest withdrawal comes after the administration had earlier announced closure reports in cases involving 25 people. According to reports, 87 people were identified as accused in rioting-related cases following the 2025 violence, while criminal proceedings had been initiated against a substantial number of those arrested. The withdrawal of cases has been one of the important issues raised by Ladakh representatives during their discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Anniversary of the Leh violence

The developments come a year after four people were killed during violence in Leh on September 24, 2025, amid protests demanding greater political and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The protests had included demands for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Ahead of the anniversary, climate activist and Leh Apex Body leader Sonam Wangchuk led a symbolic march in Leh on September 23. Representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) participated in the programme, which was organised to remember those who died and to highlight continuing demands concerning Ladakh’s political and constitutional future.

Dialogue with the Centre continues

The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been engaged with the Centre over a range of demands concerning Ladakh’s governance and political representation. Recent meetings with the MHA have focused on possible constitutional safeguards, the structure of a proposed Union Territory-level governance body, land rights and the distribution of administrative and financial powers.

The Centre has discussed a possible constitutional provision described in recent reports as Article 371(K) and a new governance arrangement for Ladakh. Reports indicate that the proposed framework would involve an elected Union Territory-level body with certain executive and financial powers, while questions about its composition, representation and relationship with the existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils remain part of the discussions.

Ladakh representatives have continued to press for stronger democratic institutions. Their stated demands have included an elected legislative body, greater democratic control over administration, financial powers, a separate public service commission and Ladakh-specific administrative and police services. The representatives have also sought constitutional protection for land, employment and other regional interests.

Statehood and Sixth Schedule remain key demands

Statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule protection remain among the central demands raised by the region’s political and civil society groups. The Sixth Schedule provides a constitutional framework for autonomous administration in certain tribal areas, and Ladakh representatives have argued for protections suited to the region’s demographic, cultural and environmental circumstances.

The Centre, meanwhile, has continued to engage with Ladakh representatives through formal and sub-committee mechanisms. The Union government’s earlier position has included discussions on constitutional safeguards and other institutional measures, while the precise form of any future arrangement remains under negotiation.

Withdrawal of cases becomes an important issue

The withdrawal of the latest 20 criminal cases is significant because the issue has repeatedly featured in talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre. Representatives of the LAB and KDA have sought withdrawal of cases connected with the 2025 violence, along with justice for those killed and injured and progress on the inquiry into the events.

The Ladakh administration has described the latest decision as an effort to promote healing, peace and social harmony. At the same time, representatives of the protesting groups have continued to raise questions about compensation, accountability and the findings of the inquiry into the violence. These differing positions remain part of the broader political dialogue.

What happens next

The future of the Ladakh-Centre dialogue will depend on whether the two sides can reach agreement on the region’s proposed governance structure and constitutional safeguards. Issues including political representation, financial powers, land protections, employment safeguards, statehood, Sixth Schedule status and the handling of cases related to the 2025 violence remain important elements of the discussion.

With the first anniversary of the Leh violence being observed on September 24, the withdrawal of 20 cases has provided one concrete development, but several larger political and constitutional questions remain unresolved. The coming rounds of discussions between Ladakh representatives and the Centre are therefore expected to remain closely watched in the region.