Ladakh political leaders cancelled the protest march planned for September 23, 2026, as talks with the central government on constitutional safeguards move forward.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a member of Leh's Apex Body, said the decision followed cold weather and a warming in politics, opting instead for a 20‑km symbolic march in Leh and a martyrs‑day event the next day.
Sajjad Kargili, co‑chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, confirmed the KDA had abandoned the Kargil‑to‑Leh march and will hold a rally in Kargil on September 23, citing progress in talks.
The centre has agreed to grant Ladakh constitutional safeguards under Article 371 and create a "sui generis" elected body, a unique governance model that will not constitute a legislature.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra told NDTV that Parliament will amend Article 371 and the Home Ministry has begun the process, while the next round of talks is scheduled for the first week of October in Kargil.
The canceled protest was to mark the first anniversary of the 2025 killing of four residents, a tragedy that still haunts the community.