L-G admits discontent in Ladakh over ‘imbalanced’ representation in talks with Centre

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, admitted that some people were unhappy with what they saw as “unbalanced” representation in the ongoing dialogue with the Centre, but expressed hope that all issues would be resolved through discussions.

He praised the Jammu and Kashmir Police for busting a white-collar terror network and preventing major attacks in the country and suggested strict action against those involved in such conspiracies.

Mr. Gupta said that the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have prepared a 29-page draft proposal containing their demands as a follow-up to the last meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sub-committee.

“MHA asked them to prepare a draft proposal containing their demands. It is natural that when we come together, many things come out of it,” said the Lieutenant Governor.

But he admitted that some people were disturbed by the “imbalance” of representation in discussions with the Centre. “I have given my report directly to the MHA, which is dealing with the matter, let them sit and discuss it,” he said.

Tondup Tsewang Chhospa, former president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), had recently held talks with the Center on the region’s core demands such as statehood under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and security measures, expressing concern over what he termed “imbalance in the composition of Ladakhi representatives”.

Mr Chhospa said the majority of representatives in the ongoing talks were from the Muslim community, while the Buddhist community was under-represented. He warned that such an “imbalance” could limit the chances of the Buddhist community’s cultural, social and regional perspectives being adequately reflected in the dialogue process.

On the draft proposal seeking general amnesty for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others detained following the violence in Leh on September 24 that left four people dead and scores injured, Mr Gupta said it would not be appropriate for him to comment due to ongoing talks between the Center and Ladakh representatives.

Mr. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Law, while dozens of youths were detained and later released on bail in Leh.

“The case against Wangchuk has been filed based on certain evidence. We will see what results will come once discussions begin. It would be wrong to make any comments at this stage,” Mr Gupta said.

He said the government had invited agitation groups for talks but “some people did not want the dialogue to take place”. However, he added that the initiation of talks was a welcome step and that he was hopeful for a positive outcome.

Mr Gupta praised security agencies for recently busting a white-collar terror network allegedly led by a group of doctors and also expressed sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the November 10 blast in Delhi.

“Some are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere but our agencies are alert. We will maintain peace in Ladakh,” he said.

LG Gupta said that those involved in radicalization should not be spared and stringent action should be taken against them.

Welcoming the immediate action of the police in Kashmir against radical elements and their supporters, he added that “some people are still trying to destroy the environment in the valley”.

He also expressed confidence that tourism in Ladakh will increase this winter and said that the region is fully prepared for the upcoming All India Winter Games and Northern Zone games.

At the 32nd meeting of the Northern Regional Council held under the chairmanship of Home Minister Amit Shah on November 17, Gupta said the focus was on addressing river water-related issues.

“The Minister of Internal Affairs was of the opinion that these problems should be resolved by mutual discussion rather than taking them to the courts,” he said.