MHA must act to restore faith of Ladakhis
By Habeel Sagar
Leh, Oct 22: As New Delhi and Ladakh’s representatives resume their uneasy dialogue over the political future of the Union Territory, Ashraf Ali Barcha, President of Anjuman Imamia Leh and a prominent voice in the Leh Apex Body (LAB), has expressed optimism that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will take concrete confidence-building measures to restore public trust in Ladakh.
Speaking exclusively to ‘The Earth News’ over a phone call from New Delhi soon after attending the high-level meeting with the MHA-appointed Sub-Committee on Ladakh, Barcha conveyed satisfaction with the conduct and atmosphere of the deliberations. He described the talks as “constructive and encouraging,” while urging the MHA to translate assurances into tangible actions to rebuild the confidence of Ladakh’s people.
He disclosed that the next round of talks is expected within the coming weeks. “The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) presented all our issues comprehensively before the MHA officials, who were notably receptive and patient throughout the discussions. Their approach reflected a sense of openness and willingness to engage with objectivity, which we hope will lead to a meaningful conclusion,” Barcha stated.
Elaborating on the meeting’s proceedings, Barcha said that detailed discussions were held on a range of issues, with particular emphasis on the immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains detained under the National Security Act in Jodhpur Jail, Rajasthan. He also underscored the urgent need for relief and dignified rehabilitation of all victims of the September 24 violence in Leh—especially the families of the four civilians killed in security forces’ firing following the clashes.
When asked whether the government representatives responded to these specific concerns, Barcha clarified that while no immediate assurances were given, the delegation raised the matter with “firm conviction and unity.” He added, “It is unrealistic to expect commitments on such complex matters in the first meeting. However, given the government’s responsive stance, we are hopeful of a positive outcome in the next round, likely to be convened within seven to ten days.”
Barcha emphasized that the forthcoming MHA meeting would be “crucial in rebuilding the confidence of Ladakh’s people, who have been deeply shaken by recent incidents in this otherwise peaceful region.”
On the question of future strategy, Barcha said there was no new agenda beyond the already presented demands but confirmed that a joint meeting of LAB and KDA is expected before the next interaction with the MHA. “We will deliberate internally to finalize our position once the MHA announces the schedule for the next meeting,” he added.
The ongoing engagement between the Centre and Ladakh’s leadership marks a decisive phase in the region’s continuing quest for constitutional safeguards, statehood, and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule—demands that have gained renewed urgency amid growing public disquiet and calls for political recognition of Ladakh’s distinct identity.
