LAB, KDA to Meet Union Officials in Delhi for Resolution on Ladakh’s Four-Point Agenda on January 15
MHA Calls LAB, KDA for Key Talks on Ladakh’s Future
LAB, KDA Set for January 15 Talks with MHA on Ladakh’s Political and Administrative Future
JAMMU, Jan 9: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally invited representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) for another round of discussions in New Delhi on January 15. According to an official meeting notice issued by the MHA, the talks are scheduled to begin at 11:30 am in North Block. Invitations have been extended to all Sub Committee members and other stakeholders involved in the dialogue.
Sources revealed that the meeting will be chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, with senior officials from the Home Ministry, including Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Joint Secretary Incharge of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, in attendance. Key members of the Sub Committee expected to participate include Thupstan Chhewang, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, and Nawang Rigzin Jora from LAB, alongside Qamar Ali Akhoon, Asgar Ali Karbalai, and Sajjad Kargili from KDA.
Additionally, Ladakh’s Lok Sabha MP Haneefa Jan, Chairpersons-cum-Chief Executive Councillors (CECs) of the Hill Councils for Leh and Kargil, and Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Pawan Kotwal are likely to attend the discussions.
Speaking to the Excelsior, Chering Dorjay Lakruk confirmed that LAB and KDA will convene a joint meeting in New Delhi on January 14, a day before the scheduled talks, to finalize the issues they intend to present. The agenda will address long-standing demands from the people of Ladakh, including Statehood, Sixth Schedule status, a dedicated Public Services Commission (PSC), and two Parliamentary seats for the region.
The last meeting of the High-Powered Committee (HPC), held on December 3, 2024, concluded without a definitive resolution. However, an important decision was reached, ensuring that 95% of gazetted cadre posts in Ladakh would be reserved for local residents. The mechanism for filling these posts remains to be finalized.
The LAB and KDA have been vocal advocates for their four-point agenda, which they argue is crucial for safeguarding Ladakh’s unique identity, promoting development, and securing adequate representation. With these fresh discussions, both bodies aim to push for actionable commitments from the Union Government.
