Centre calls Ladakh leaders for talks on September 9 ahead of Kargil-Leh foot march

The Centre has invited Ladakh's political and regional leadership for another round of discussions in New Delhi on September 9, days before a planned foot march from Kargil to Leh over demands including statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

The fresh meeting comes as the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced its support for the Kargil-Leh padyatra, scheduled from September 10 to 24.

MHA schedules fresh meeting

Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra confirmed the latest development on Thursday, saying the meeting would be held by a sub-committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has fixed an official meeting of the sub-committee on 9th September in Delhi. This is part of the ongoing dialogue for deepening democratic processes in Ladakh,” Kundra posted on X.

The Ladakh leadership has already held three rounds of talks with the MHA. During their August 19 meeting with Union home ministry officials in Leh, regional representatives submitted a list of demands they described as “non-negotiable”.

The administration subsequently withdrew cases against 25 people linked to the September 24, 2025, clashes. Kundra had said the demands submitted by the regional leadership were forwarded to the MHA.

KDA backs Kargil-Leh padyatra

The KDA has meanwhile thrown its weight behind the proposed march, which will be led by social activist Sandeep Pandey and KDA leader Sajjad Kargili.

The decision was taken at a meeting in Kargil attended by KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai and other stakeholders. The march is aimed at pressing for statehood, Sixth Schedule protections and other demands raised by Ladakh's regional leadership.

Ladakh's statehood demand

Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislative assembly on August 5, 2019, after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, regional leaders have sought greater political representation and constitutional safeguards.

In 2023, the MHA formed a high-powered committee headed by minister of state for home Nityanand Rai to address concerns relating to Ladakh's culture, language and strategic interests.

More recently, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the creation of Autonomous Hill Development Councils across all seven districts. The move extends elected local governance beyond Leh and Kargil to Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass.

“The creation of Autonomous Hill Development Councils in all seven districts is a milestone in strengthening grassroots governance in Ladakh,” Saxena said.