NEW DELHI: The likelihood of resuming negotiations between the Centre and the Apex Body, Leh (ABL) regarding safeguards for Ladakh has improved. The ABL has decided to exclude representatives from political parties from its negotiation team, and veteran leader Thupstan Chhewang is set to lead the discussions once more.
Chhewang and Congress leader Nawang Rigzin Jora had stepped down from prominent positions in the ABL prior to a significant meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs in July. Their resignations followed the introduction of a new reservation and domicile policy by the Home Ministry after discussions with Ladakh representatives in May 2025. This policy guarantees local domiciles an 85% quota in jobs and reserves one-third of seats for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC).
Following his withdrawal from the ABL, Jora reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to achieving statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, especially with the upcoming LAHDC elections in mind. Chhewang expressed concerns over the “partisan agendas” of certain ABL members and advocated for the talks to remain “non-political,” resulting in a stalemate in negotiations.
With the ABL now agreeing to exclude political affiliations from its delegation in a bid to simplify the process, Chhewang has accepted the role of leading the negotiations again. This decision comes in the wake of a resolution by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), which called for the separation of politics from the ABL and urged Chhewang to head the delegation.
The ABL has formally requested the Centre to resume dialogue, citing that political influences and the upcoming LAHDC elections had hampered discussions. Concurrently, Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule status has led to mixed reactions, with various leaders supporting negotiations.
According to a central government official, “Given the changed circumstances, the home ministry is inclined to call the ABL to the negotiating table soon.”
