Ladakh's High Powered Committee to Reconvene: What’s at Stake for the Union Territory?

The High Powered Committee for Ladakh is scheduled to meet on February 4, marking a significant step in resuming discussions after last year's clashes. Chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, the meeting will address ongoing demands from local leaders for constitutional safeguards and greater political autonomy. The backdrop of this meeting includes the recent violent protests that resulted in civilian casualties, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Key figures like climate activist Sonam Wangchuck remain detained under the National Security Act, adding to the complexity of the negotiations. This meeting could shape the future of Ladakh's governance and its residents' rights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 23:04 IST

Upcoming Meeting of the High Powered Committee

In New Delhi, the High Powered Committee (HPC) focused on the Union Territory of Ladakh is set to convene on February 4, marking the first meeting since the violent clashes in September of last year. This meeting aims to revive discussions that had been put on hold between the central government and local representatives.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, will chair the session, where the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are expected to reiterate their demands for constitutional protections and enhanced political autonomy for Ladakh, which was established as a Union territory in 2019.

The previous talks were halted after protests erupted on September 24, resulting in four civilian fatalities and numerous injuries as demonstrators called for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

A notice from Deputy Secretary Ruchika Katyal confirmed the upcoming meeting, stating, 'The next meeting of the High Powered Committee for the UT of Ladakh under the Chairmanship of Shri Nityanand Rai will be held on 04.02.2026 at 4.00 PM.'

In October 2025, a preliminary meeting took place between Ladakhi leaders and representatives from the home ministry, where demands included the immediate release of detained leaders, notably climate activist Sonam Wangchuck, a prominent figure in the protests.

Wangchuck is currently imprisoned in Jodhpur under the National Security Act (NSA), which allows for detention to prevent actions deemed harmful to India's defense. The NSA permits a maximum detention of 12 months, although it can be lifted sooner.

The LAB and KDA are advocating for full statehood, which would include a legislative assembly to enhance political representation and self-governance. They seek to safeguard the unique culture, delicate ecosystem, and land rights of the predominantly tribal population by establishing autonomous district councils, securing two Lok Sabha seats, and creating a recruitment body to address high unemployment rates among local youth.

Following a HPC meeting on May 27, 2025, the home ministry introduced new reservation and domicile policies for Ladakh, reserving 85% of jobs for locals and allocating one-third of seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for women.

According to the new regulations, individuals who have lived in the UT for 15 years or have studied there for seven years and completed their Class 10 or 12 exams in local institutions will be considered domiciles of Ladakh for job appointments under the UT or local authorities, excluding the cantonment board.