Leh leaders oppose protest marches, urge adherence to May 2025 pact

Two senior leaders from Leh, Tsering Samphel and Rigzin Spalbar, have voiced strong opposition to proposed protest marches demanding Statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. In an open letter, they argued that agitational action at this stage would undercut the community's bargaining position while formal talks with the Union government are still under way.

Mr. Spalbar, a former chairperson of the Ladakh Hill Development Council-Leh, and Mr. Samphel, a former president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, said the sixth round of discussions with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi had been satisfactory and should be carried forward sincerely to a logical conclusion. They stressed that any padyatra or protest in Leh at this juncture would weaken collective negotiating strength.

The appeal comes amid the ongoing 'Martyrs Month' observed in Ladakh to remember four civilians who died during protests in Leh in September 2025. Both the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance have backed the first death anniversary remembrance meetings, and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has also supported the agitational route to press New Delhi on commitments made during talks held on May 22 and September 9, 2025.

Expressing deep concern over what they described as recent misunderstandings and an erosion of trust among senior leaders of the Buddhist community, the two leaders said Ladakh stands at a historic crossroads. They urged the leadership of both the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance to strictly follow the agreement reached on May 22, 2025, and subsequently signed in Leh, and not to deviate from the path already agreed upon.

They appealed that no statement or action be made that could vitiate the atmosphere or derail the talks, adding that the objectives already agreed upon and signed must not be allowed to fail due to confusion. Ladakh's struggle, they noted, has traditionally been guided by non-violence, wisdom and unity, and that spirit should not be lost at the final hour.

Separately, the two leaders called for immediate groundwork to hold elections for all seven hill councils recently announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor's administration. They urged that these polls be conducted at the earliest to fulfil what they termed the just, legitimate and democratic aspirations of the people.