At a press conference in Delhi, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk accused the Centre of reneging on a May 22, 2024 understanding with Ladakh groups.
The May meeting had seen representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance submit a draft to the Union Home Ministry, which returned a proposal that the groups had agreed to compare point‑by‑point.
Wangchuk said the draft offered safeguards modeled on Articles 371A and 371G, but he insisted a Union Territory with a legislature and constitutional protections was the only acceptable outcome.
He warned that Ladakh’s strategic border position makes its democratic rights vital, citing China’s claims and the risk of unilateral decisions by the appointed LG, which he likened to a ‘British Viceroy’.
The activist highlighted that about 90 % of Ladakh’s 30 k residents belong to tribal communities and that corporate interests threaten their land and identity, urging that democratic representation be restored.
With the October 22 meeting postponed, Wangchuk urged the government to convene it immediately and grant Ladakh its long‑desired legislature, setting a deadline that may prompt a parliamentary response next month.