Ladakh Civil Society Forum Accuses Sonam Wangchuk of Diverting the Agenda of Talks with the Centre

The Forum has also questioned whether the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) continue to represent the interests of all districts in the Union Territory.

At a meeting in Leh, the Forum expressed concern over delays in negotiations involving the Union Home Ministry (MHA), the LAB and the KDA. It alleged that the dialogue had strayed from its original objectives and criticised what it described as the confrontational approach adopted by some participants.

Former MP Thupstan Chhewang, former Chief Executive Councillor Rigzen Spalbar and former MLC Tsering Samphel attended the meeting. Representatives of Thiksey and Thuksey Rinpoche, monks from several monasteries, members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, village nambardars, retired officials and other civil society representatives also participated.

Chhewang alleged that leaders of the LAB and KDA had rejected the MHA's draft proposal without adequately examining the available options. He further claimed that their account of earlier meetings had created confusion among the public.

He attributed the failure to hold the MHA meeting scheduled for October 22 in New Delhi to repeated delays, alleged misinformation and a lack of adherence to earlier agreements. Chhewang also expressed concern over the potential consequences for Leh, particularly its Buddhist community.

The Forum maintained that negotiations should continue without being stalled by what it described as delaying tactics and confrontational politics.

Among its key demands, the Forum called for early Panchayat and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections across all districts, along with greater powers for elected councils. It also sought the reconstitution of the LAB to include democratically elected representatives from every district.

While urging all sides to continue the dialogue with the Centre, the Forum argued that the LAB and KDA could no longer claim to represent the entirety of Ladakh, given what it described as the prevailing ground realities.