Leh: Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan has appealed to the Union Government to resume talks with Ladakh’s representatives without delay, emphasising that dialogue is the only way forward to address the region’s core demands of statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Speaking in support of the ongoing agitation, Jan said environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk’s 35-day hunger strike and the wider movement are not about personal or political gains but about securing Ladakh’s future.
“This is not a fight for an individual or a party, but for the coming generations of Ladakh. Our culture, environment, and fragile demography demand special treatment,” he stressed.
Jan underlined that Ladakh’s strategic importance makes stability imperative. “We never want a situation that threatens security in the region. Dialogue is the only credible path,” he said, recalling that the last meeting with the Home Ministry had promised follow-up talks within a month, but no fresh date has been fixed so far.
The MP urged leaders across party lines, particularly the BJP leadership in Leh and Kargil, to rise above politics and jointly convince the Centre on Ladakh’s demands. “This issue must remain apolitical. It is purely about Ladakh,” he said.
Welcoming Thupstan Chhewang’s return to the Leh Apex Body, Jan said the veteran leader’s credibility and experience would help bridge the gap between New Delhi and Ladakh.
“We respect him across Leh and Kargil. His presence will strengthen the movement and talks,” he remarked.
On the issue of domicile and recruitment policies, Jan acknowledged earlier differences but said employment safeguards were a step forward. However, he insisted that Ladakh’s long-term protection depends on resolving the larger constitutional issues.
Jan also confirmed that both Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) are coordinating to decide future agitation strategies if dialogue does not progress.
“Ladakh’s fight is for its identity and future. We believe in peaceful engagement, but it is time the Centre takes this process seriously,” he concluded.
