In response to the violence in Ladakh, triggered by a hunger strike led by Sonam Wangchuk, the Ministry of Home Affairs released a statement on September 25th. The strike was in support of demands to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule and grant it full statehood. The Ministry underscored the government’s commitment to addressing Ladakh’s issues through continuous dialogue with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. The government emphasized that several key decisions have been made through these discussions.
The statement pointed out that significant progress was achieved in Ladakh’s interest through the High Powered Committee (HPC) and sub-committees, including increased reservation for Scheduled Tribes, one-third reservation for women in councils, the recognition of the Bhoti and Purgi languages, and the launch of a recruitment process. The statement stated that while many leaders expressed satisfaction, some elements are trying to hinder the ongoing dialogue. The government took a serious view of the hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk and his allegedly provocative statements, which alluded to Arab Spring-style protests and the Gen Z protests in Nepal.