‘Trust deficit in Ladakh’: Sonam Wangchuck says date for next round of talks with government not yet announced

New Delhi: Ladakh activist Golden Wangchuk It said on Monday the region was “wandering between trust and mistrust” as the next round of talks with the Center was delayed, warning that a prolonged gap could deepen divisions in the sensitive border region.Wangchuck noted in a post on X that more than two months have passed since the last round of dialogue on February 4, but a new date has not yet been announced. “People in this sensitive border area have become discouraged and demoralized,” he said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take “timely steps” to resolve the issues.He also warned that the delay was allowing “suspicious entities” to “sow the seeds of Leh-Kargil (Buddhist vs. Muslim) divisions”, raising concerns about social cohesion in the Union Territory.

Lifting detention raises hope, but talks stalled

Wangchuck noted that it had been a month since his detention under the National Security Law was revoked on March 14, a move that had raised hopes of “building mutual trust” and initiating “constructive and meaningful dialogue.”He was detained over law and order issues in September 2025 following riots in Leh. Along with his release, the Center also assured that it will continue to engage with stakeholders in Ladakh.

Call for flexible dialogue, demand still exists

Ladakh groups including Leh Apex Body have been pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, demands that Wangchuck said were constitutional. He advocated a “flexible approach” in negotiations while urging both sides to avoid a “lose-lose” outcome.

Previous rounds of talks between Ladakh representatives and the federal home ministry team, including meetings in October and February, remained inconclusive, prompting calls for re-engagement.The government said it remains committed to addressing Ladakh’s concerns through mechanisms such as dialogue and high-level committees. Emphasizing the need to maintain regional peace, stability and mutual trust.