'Trust deficit in Ladakh': Sonam Wangchuk says no date for next round of talks with government announced

NEW DELHI: Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said the region is “hanging between trust and mistrust” due to delays in the next round of talks with the Centre, warning that the prolonged gap risks deepening divisions in the sensitive border region.In a post on X, Wangchuk noted that more than two months have passed since the last round of dialogue on February 4, with no fresh date announced. “People in this sensitive border region grow disheartened and demoralised,” he said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to take “timely measures” to resolve the issues.He also warned that the delay is allowing “shady entities” to “sow seeds of Leh-Kargil (Buddhist-Muslim) divide,” raising concerns over social cohesion in the Union Territory.Wangchuk pointed out that it has been a month since his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) was revoked on March 14, a move that had raised hopes of “building mutual trust” and initiating “constructive and meaningful dialogue”.He had been detained in September 2025 following unrest in Leh, with the government citing law and order concerns. His release came alongside assurances from the Centre about continued engagement with stakeholders in Ladakh.Ladakhi groups, including the Leh Apex Body, have been pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, demands Wangchuk has said fall within the Constitution. He has advocated a “flexible approach” in negotiations while urging both sides to avoid a “win-lose” outcome. The earlier rounds of talks between Ladakhi representatives and a Union home ministry panel, including meetings in October and February, remained inconclusive, prompting calls for renewed engagement.The government has said it remains committed to addressing Ladakh’s concerns through dialogue and mechanisms such as a High-Powered Committee. It has emphasised the need to maintain peace, stability and mutual trust in the region.