Amit Shah to Leh on April 30, fresh Ladakh talks on May 22; Apex Body seeks concrete action

As Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Leh on April 30 for a two-day trip to the Union Territory, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that a fresh round of talks between agitating groups of Ladakh and the High-Powered Committee will be held on May 22 to restart the stalled dialogue process.

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, announced the schedule for the next round of political dialogue.

"I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue on May 22. This will carry forward the process of constructive democratic engagement with key stakeholders of Ladakh and pave the way for an enduring solution to meet the aspirations of the people of Ladakh," LG Saxena posted on his social media handle.

The last round of talks between the agitating groups of Ladakh and the High-Powered Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs was held on February 4.

Several significant developments have taken place in Ladakh since then, including the revocation of the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) on March 14.

Notably, within hours of Vinai Kumar Saxena being sworn in as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked Wangchuk's detention. He had been lodged in Jodhpur jail since September 26, 2025, following unrest in Leh.

Amit Shah to visit Leh on April 30

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena said on Sunday.

Saxena said the Home Minister will pay his respects to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima on May 1.

"It gives me great pleasure to share that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be arriving in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit.

"On May 1, he will pay his respects to the holy relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and share his thoughts on the spiritual significance of the sacred exposition being held in Ladakh from May 1 to 14," the Lieutenant Governor said in a post on X.

The Home Minister's visit underscores the Government of India's commitment to the development of Ladakh, he added.

The sacred relics of Lord Buddha will arrive in Leh on April 29 for a first-of-its-kind public exposition in the region. The relics, excavated from Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh (ancient Kapilvastu), will be displayed at Jive Tsal, Choglamsar, from May 1 to May 14.

Agitating groups on Shah's visit

The Apex Body of Ladakh has termed the upcoming visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah an important opportunity to resolve long-pending issues and rebuild public trust in the region.

At a high-level meeting held in Leh, members emphasised the need to make the visit meaningful through concrete decisions rather than prolonged discussions.

While welcoming the announcement of a sub-committee meeting on May 22, they expressed concern that secretary-level talks lack decision-making authority and may further delay outcomes.

The Apex Body reiterated that trust-building goes beyond the revocation of the National Security Act and must address the aftermath of the September violence. The incident reportedly led to five deaths, around 80 injuries, and 83 arrests, with allegations of excessive force, including the use of live ammunition.

Members demanded the unconditional withdrawal of cases against those arrested—many of whom they claim were innocent—along with full compensation for the victims and the families of the deceased.

As authorities have withdrawn some cases related to the September 2025 violence, the Apex Committee hoped that a humanist approach would be adopted against those who were detained without evidence.

Highlighting delays in justice, the group criticised pending issues such as the allocation of land plots for the families of martyrs, which remain stalled despite prior approval.

Members of the Apex Committee urged Home Minister Amit Shah to personally chair a High-Powered Committee meeting in Ladakh and hold dialogue with the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance for meaningful and concrete outcomes.