Minutes Signed, Dialogue Roadblocks Cleared
Leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) described Friday's meeting with Union Home Ministry officials as a “positive step” after both sides signed the minutes of their May 22 meeting. This development followed a complete shutdown in Ladakh last month to protest delays in addressing key concerns, including the alleged hold-up in issuing the minutes by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). With the signing, obstacles to future dialogue have been removed.
Customised Governance Model Agreed
According to the signed minutes, detailed deliberations led to a unanimous agreement that an appropriate, customised model of governance would be explored by establishing a Union Territory-level elected body with executive, financial, and legislative powers.
Leaders Express Optimism
LAB convenor Gelek Phunchok said, “I see this as a positive step. A Ladakh-specific, tailor-made constitutional provision under Article 371 (A–J) to safeguard the tribal identity, land, culture and rights of the people of Ladakh, along with an elected Union Territory Legislative Assembly vested with adequate powers—including effective oversight of the bureaucracy and the authority to write or review the APARs of officials up to the Chief Secretary—would go a long way in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh, aspirations for which we have been striving since 2020.”
The LAB and KDA had earlier reached an “in-principle” understanding with the Centre on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards akin to Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G, which apply to Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram respectively.
Fresh Round of Talks Expected
A Leh-based leader said on Saturday that they expect the Home Ministry to convene a fresh round of talks soon. “We want our demands to be resolved at the earliest. After yesterday’s positive meeting, we feel the Union Home Ministry is serious about Ladakh’s concerns. We are hopeful that our demands will be addressed soon,” he added.
