The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has scheduled the next talks with Ladakh civil society leaders for the last week of January 2026. This was confirmed in a letter sent to the Chief Secretary of Ladakh on January 8. The last meeting was held on October 22, 2025. The talks involve the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who represent the two districts of Ladakh. Both groups submitted draft proposals on constitutional safeguards in November to the MHA, but the next meeting date was delayed. Tashi Gyalson, BJP member and former chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, shared the MHA letter on social media. The letter said, “...the next meeting of HPC would be convened in the last part of January 2026. It is requested to consult the members of the HPC for their convenient set of dates and inform the Ministry.” The High Powered Committee (HPC) is led by Minister of State Nityanand Rai. The October 2025 talks followed a tragic police action where four people, including a Kargil war veteran, died during protests demanding Ladakh statehood. The LAB and KDA are also pushing for inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which offers tribal status and self-governance. Protesters, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been detained for over 100 days in a Rajasthan jail since September 24, continue to demand their release. Sajjad Kargili of the KDA said, “While the announcement may have come later than expected, it is nonetheless a welcome step. We hope the forthcoming meeting will substantively address the core aspirations of the people of Ladakh — particularly the demand for Statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and serious consideration of the draft proposals submitted to the MHA by the LAB and KDA.” He added that the HPC should also discuss humanitarian concerns, including the ongoing detentions and compensation for victims from the September 24 events. The new round of talks aims to break the stalemate on Ladakh's political future and address unfinished demands of its people.