Ladakh-India talks positive, trust incomplete

Activist Sonam Wangchuk>>> has described recent talks between India — Ladakh>>> representatives and the India — Ministry of External Affairs>>> as a 'positive step', easing fears that India — Ladakh>>> could descend into conflict similar to India — Manipur>>>. While acknowledging progress, Wangchuk cautioned that trust-building remains incomplete due to unresolved issues such as pending protest-related cases, the seizure of his personal devices, and institutional problems concerning the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning. The Leh Apex Body and India — Kargil Democratic Alliance>>>, representing India — Ladakh>>>'s civil society, have been demanding statehood, constitutional safeguards for land and jobs, and greater democratic powers since India — Ladakh>>> became a Union Territory in 2019. Both groups reported an 'in-principle understanding' with the Government of India>>> on restoring democracy and providing constitutional safeguards similar to those in Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram under Article 371. Wangchuk emphasized that future actions by the government in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the sincerity of their intent and fully rebuilding trust.