Updated on: Nov 09, 2025

The ongoing dialogue between representatives of Ladakh and the central government over statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory has reignited debates within the region, as sections of the Buddhist community raise concerns over both under-representation in the negotiation process and the potential implications of granting statehood.

Negotiations resumed after a disruption in September, when protests in Leh turned violent and temporarily halted discussions. The latest round of talks, held on October 22, involved a total of nine delegates, with six representatives from the Muslim community and three from the Buddhist community. Among the Muslim representatives were Haji Hanifa Jan, the Lok Sabha MP of Ladakh; Jaffer Akhoon, head of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil; and Sajjad Kargili, Asgar Karbalai, and Qamar Akhoon, representing the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Additionally, Ashraf Ali Barcha participated on behalf of the Apex Body Leh (ABL).

The Buddhist representatives included former MP Thupstan Chhewang, Chhering Dorje Lakrook, leader of the Apex Body Leh, and Tashi Gyalson, the then-chief executive of the Leh Hill Council. However, with Gyalson’s tenure ending, the Buddhist delegation will effectively comprise only two members out of eight. Notably, no member of the Kargili Buddhist community was included from the KDA side, prompting concerns over equitable representation.

Tsering Samphel, president of the Kargil branch of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), wrote to Sajjad Kargili urging that Kunzes Dolma, leader of the LBA women’s wing, be included as a representative of Kargili Buddhists. Samphel emphasized that including a member of the Kargili Buddhist community would reflect the same inclusive spirit demonstrated by the Apex Body Leh in selecting its representatives. Other Buddhist groups, including the Zanskar Buddhist Association and chapters of the LBA across Leh, Karu, Nyoma, Durbuk, Sham, and Kargil, have echoed this demand, emphasizing the importance of proportional representation in these critical discussions.

Beyond representation, significant apprehension exists within the Buddhist community regarding the demand for statehood. Historically, Leh and Kargil have had political and cultural differences, and some Buddhist leaders fear that statehood could exacerbate these divisions. Kargil, with a larger population, could dominate the governance structure, potentially disturbing the delicate balance between the two regions.

Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 after the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and the revocation of Article 370, fulfilling a key promise made by the Modi government to fully integrate the region into India. While the statehood debate has been ongoing since the UT’s formation, the renewed focus has stirred considerable controversy.

Several prominent Ladakhi Buddhist leaders, including former office-bearers of the LBA, have formally submitted a representation opposing statehood. They have instead proposed the creation of an Advisory Council or the appointment of a Political Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to safeguard the interests of all communities. Some leaders have also called for ensuring equal representation of all communities in the negotiation process to prevent perceived marginalization of Buddhist voices.

Financial viability is another concern raised by sections of the Buddhist community. Dorjey Shallak, former vice-president of the youth wing of the LBA, pointed out that over 90% of Ladakh’s budget currently comes from central government allocations. He highlighted that salaries alone account for approximately ₹2,000 crore annually, while local revenue is minimal. In his view, granting statehood without a robust revenue base could hinder developmental projects and strain the region’s finances. He suggested that while support may be extended to demands for Sixth Schedule inclusion, granting full statehood might not be feasible at present.

The central government was represented at the October 22 talks by senior officials from the home and finance ministries, intelligence agencies, and the Ladakh UT administration, including Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal. The discussions aimed to explore possible pathways to enhance political autonomy, protect cultural identity, and ensure sustainable governance structures while balancing regional sensitivities.

The issue has also been complicated by the continued incarceration of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist and a leading voice in the Ladakh statehood agitation. Wangchuk is currently jailed in Jodhpur, with authorities claiming that he intended to foment a revolt in the region, inspired by movements in Nepal and Bangladesh. His detention has added another layer of tension, particularly among youth and activist groups advocating for Ladakh’s political empowerment.

As negotiations progress, the government faces the delicate task of balancing the aspirations of the region’s diverse communities while addressing historical grievances, economic concerns, and strategic priorities. The representation of the Buddhist community, particularly from Kargil, remains a sensitive issue, with leaders calling for a more inclusive process that acknowledges the unique identities and contributions of all communities.

With statehood being a potentially transformative change for the region, the debate is likely to continue, combining legal, financial, and cultural considerations with the political dynamics of Leh and Kargil. Both the central government and local stakeholders appear committed to dialogue, but the outcome will depend on achieving a consensus that addresses representation, fiscal viability, and the broader vision for Ladakh’s governance.

The upcoming sessions are expected to further elaborate on the modalities of autonomy under the Sixth Schedule, the structure of representation, and the mechanisms for protecting communal harmony, even as discussions on full statehood remain fraught with divergent opinions and concerns about regional equity and long-term development.