Sonam Wangchuk Home Ministry Meeting – Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, alongside representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), met with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). During the high-level meeting, the delegation submitted a detailed memorandum containing key demands categorized as “non-negotiable” to safeguard the political, constitutional, and socio-economic rights of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk Home Ministry Meeting – Demands for Directly Elected Legislative Assembly and Fiscal Autonomy
A core demand presented to the Home Ministry officials includes the establishment of a directly elected Union Territory-level Legislative Assembly with constitutional safeguards. Representatives emphasized that internal administration, local governance, and legislative affairs should fall under the democratic control of an elected Ladakh assembly. Additionally, the delegation demanded fiscal autonomy, requesting constitutional protection over taxation, budget formulation, spending, and public funds through designated Consolidated and Contingency Funds for Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk Home Ministry Meeting – Creation of Separate Public Service Commission and State Cadres
To protect employment opportunities for local youth, the delegation urged the Centre to establish an independent Public Service Commission (PSC) for Ladakh. The non-negotiable list includes demands for distinct administrative cadre services such as a dedicated Ladakh Administrative Service and Ladakh Police Service—tailored specifically to the geographic and demographic needs of the high-altitude region.
Sonam Wangchuk Home Ministry Meeting – Justice and Compensation for September 2025 Firing Incident Victims
Addressing recent regional unrest, the representatives formally submitted a resolution seeking justice, comprehensive compensation, and the unconditional dismissal of all cases linked to the police firing and lathi-charge incident of September 24, 2025. The meeting, which featured prominent leaders including Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan, KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili, and LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay, marks a crucial progression in formal talks between the Centre and Ladakh’s leadership.
