New Delhi: Ladakh based activists Sonam Wangchuk The region is “oscillating between trust and distrust” due to the delay in the next round of talks with the Centre, it said on Monday, warning that a prolonged gap risks deepening divisions in the sensitive border area.In a post on X, Wangchuk said that more than two months have passed since the last round of talks on February 4, with no new date announced. “People have become frustrated and demoralized in this sensitive border area,” he said, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take “timely measures” to resolve the issues.He also warned that the delay was allowing “shadowy entities” to “sow the seeds of Leh-Kargil (Buddhist-Muslim) divide”, raising concerns over social cohesion in the Union Territory.

Cancellation of house arrest raised hopes, but talks stalled

Wangchuk pointed out that it has been a month since his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) was revoked on March 14, a move that had raised hopes of “building mutual trust” and starting “constructive and meaningful dialogue”.He was detained by the government citing law and order concerns following the unrest in Leh in September 2025. His release came with the Centre’s assurance about continued engagement with stakeholders in Ladakh.

Demands remain intact amid calls for flexible talks

Ladakhi groups, including the Leh apex body, have been pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, with Wangchuk saying the demand comes under the Constitution. He has advocated a “flexible approach” to the talks, urging both sides to avoid a “win-lose” outcome.The first round of talks, including October and February meetings between Ladakhi representatives and the Union Home Ministry panel, remained inconclusive, leading to calls for fresh talks.The government has said it is committed to addressing the concerns of Ladakh through dialogue and mechanisms such as the High Powered Committee. It emphasizes the need to maintain peace, stability and mutual trust in the region.