MHA Schedules Fresh Talks on Ladakh for October 6

### Speedy Summary
– climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a 35-day hunger strike in Leh, supported by residents, demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth schedule of the Constitution.
– The demands include constitutional safeguards such as job reservations for locals and parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
– The protests were reignited after delayed action from the union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
– The MHA has scheduled talks with Ladakh’s civil society leaders on October 6; earlier talks with LAB and KDA were held on May 27, lead by Minister nityanand Rai.
– Civil society representatives had expressed hope that the upcoming discussions would produce meaningful outcomes rather than being symbolic gestures.
– Ladakh was granted Union Territory status without a Legislative Assembly in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. protests over democratic rights have persisted as then.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
The renewed protests in Ladakh reflect persistent dissatisfaction among its residents regarding governance structures as becoming a Union Territory. The absence of an elected legislative assembly has deepened calls for empowerment through statehood or inclusion under tribal protections within the sixth Schedule. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike underscores local grievances not only about administrative autonomy but also long-term developmental concerns like representation, employment opportunities, and cultural preservation.

The upcoming talks provide an prospect to address these demands comprehensively while ensuring inclusivity between Leh and Kargil district populations. However, meaningful outcomes are critical this time to prevent further erosion of trust between citizens and governance centers. India must look carefully at balancing regional aspirations while upholding national unity – making assessments based on stakeholder input without repeated delays or symbolic decisions.

[read more](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ladakh/hunger-strike-for-ladakhs-statehood-enters-seventh-day-will-remain-apolitical-say-protesters/article70062718.ece)