High-Powered Committee Meeting on Ladakh Discusses Statehood and Sixth Schedule Demands

A High-Powered Committee (HPC) meeting chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai was held in New Delhi on February 4, 2026, between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh representatives from the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. The talks focused on demands for Ladakh's statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, protection of culture, land, and employment, and the release of detained activist Sonam Wangchuk. The meeting remained inconclusive, with the government offering constitutional safeguards under Article 371 and strengthening local councils. Further discussions are planned.