Sonam Wangchuk: ‘Trust deficit in Ladakh’: Sonam Wangchuk says no date for next round of talks with government announced | India News
New Delhi: Ladakh-based activists Sonam Wangchuk Monday said the region was “hanging between trust and distrust” due to delays in the next round of talks with the Centre, warning that a prolonged gap risked deepening divisions in the sensitive border region.In a post on X, Wangchuk noted that more than two months have passed since the last round of dialogue on February 4, with no new date announced. “The people of these sensitive border areas are disillusioned and frustrated,” he said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take “timely measures” to resolve the issues.He also warned that the delay was allowing “shady entities” to “sow the seeds of the Leh-Kargil (Buddhist-Muslim) divide”, raising concerns about social cohesion in the union territory.
Detention lifting raised hopes, but talks stalled
Wangchuk noted that it had been a month since his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) was lifted on March 14, a move that raised hopes of “building mutual trust” and starting “constructive and meaningful dialogue”.He was detained after the Leh riots in September 2025, with the government citing law and order concerns. His release came alongside the Centre’s assurance of continued engagement with stakeholders in Ladakh.
Demands persist amid calls for flexible dialogue
Ladakhi groups, including the Leh apex body, are pushing for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, which Wangchuk claims falls within the constitution. He suggested a “flexible approach” to the talks and urged both sides to avoid a “win-lose” outcome.Previous rounds of talks between Ladakhi representatives and the Union Home Ministry panel, including meetings in October and February, remain unresolved, prompting renewed calls for engagement.The government has said it is committed to addressing Ladakh’s concerns through dialogue and processes such as the High-Powered Committee. It emphasized the need to maintain peace, stability and mutual trust in the region.
