Milestone in Ladakh’s Political Discourse: Government’s Willingness to Discuss Statehood, Constitutional Safeguards, says Groups

This significant development follows a meeting between the High Powered Committee (HPC) for Ladakh, led by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, and a 14-member delegation from the Apex Body of Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing various segments of the Union Territory.

According to a joint press release issued by the ABL and KDA, the meeting has scheduled detailed discussions on Ladakh’s primary demands for February 24. These demands include advocating for Ladakh’s statehood, its integration into the 6th Schedule, and the establishment of a dedicated public service commission for the region.

In light of this significant development, the ABL and KDA have decided to temporarily suspend their planned hunger strike, previously scheduled to commence on Tuesday.

Furthermore, a joint sub-committee has been formed to delve into the specifics of these demands. The sub-committee comprises representatives from both the ABL and KDA, who have been tasked with facilitating fruitful discussions and progressing the agenda.

The delegation has conveyed the sub-committee members’ names to Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, and all members are presently in Delhi, eagerly anticipating the forthcoming deliberations.

Among other demands put forward by the delegation are the allocation of two Lok Sabha seats – one for Kargil and one for Leh – and enhanced job opportunities for residents of the Union Territory.

Ladakh, previously part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, saw significant constitutional changes following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The region was designated as a Union Territory, distinct from Jammu and Kashmir.

The BJP-led Centre, reaffirming its commitment to Ladakh’s development, has pledged to expedite progress and fulfill the region’s aspirations. The Ministry of Home Affairs established the HPC for Ladakh to safeguard the region’s cultural and linguistic heritage and address its unique socio-economic needs.

This move comes after prolonged demands from various Ladakhi organizations for separate Union Territory status, culminating in its realization in 2019. Recent protests by the KDA and ABL underscore the urgency and importance of addressing Ladakh’s key concerns at the national level.