Ladakh Leaders Claim Progress After Day-Long Meet
Leh, October 8, 2025 – The rescheduled talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ladakh representatives concluded late yesterday with tentative agreements on job reservations and land protections, but core demands for statehood and a judicial probe into September’s violence remain unresolved. The five-hour session at the hill council hall, attended by LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang and KDA’s Sajjad Kargili, focused on the 38-point agenda amid easing curfew restrictions. MHA Joint Secretary Rajiv Ranjan stated: “We’ve committed to 33% local quotas in new posts and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule framework, with implementation by December.
The dialogue, delayed from October 7 due to snowfall at Zojila Pass, addressed fallout from the September 24 clashes that killed four and injured 80. LAB welcomed the quota nod but pressed for a full inquiry into pellet injuries, including the Tibetan student’s case. Chhewang, in a post-meet presser around 6 PM, called it “a step, not a solution,” urging Wangchuk’s release. The activist’s NSA detention in Jodhpur persists, with his wife’s Supreme Court petition hearing delayed to October 15.
Kargil’s early winter compounded logistics – 6 inches of snow stranded 150 travelers on the Srinagar-Leh highway, now cleared by BRO teams. Tourism, down 35% since unrest, sees cautious revival with flights normalizing. LAHDC Leh CEO Tashi Gyalson announced a Rs 10 crore fund for affected businesses. Locals like Diskit Gangjor, 45, from the Buddhist Association, said: “Quotas help, but without statehood, our voice echoes empty.” Next round set for October 15; tensions simmer as internet stability improves.
Wife Geetanjali has also Met Sonam Wangchuk n Jodhpur Jail today morning and has supported his movement for Leh to the press.