NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Representatives from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance convened with Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Tuesday to advocate for their demands, including statehood, the Union Territory’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a dedicated public service commission for the region.
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The groups are also pushing for two Lok Sabha seats—one each for Kargil and Leh. Currently, the Union Territory is represented by just one Lok Sabha seat, which encompasses Ladakh.
This meeting follows a recent assurance from the central government to Ladakhi activists, including prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who demonstrated in Delhi after arriving from Ladakh, regarding consideration of their requests.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have long been advocating for statehood for Ladakh, as well as its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the creation of an exclusive public service commission for the area.
A high-powered committee (HPC), appointed by the government and led by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, convened discussions with LAB and KDA about these demands, according to sources.
Ladakh was previously part of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and had four representatives in the Assembly.
Following the abrogation of Article 370—which bestowed special status upon Jammu and Kashmir—on August 5, 2019, the region was restructured into two Union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, which has a Legislative Assembly, and Ladakh, which does not.
The BJP-led central government assured a delegation from Ladakh in December last year of its commitment to accelerating development in the Union Territory and addressing the aspirations of its residents.
This commitment was reiterated during a meeting with the HPC for Ladakh.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established the HPC for Ladakh, chaired by Minister Rai, to discuss necessary measures for safeguarding the region’s unique cultural and linguistic heritage, considering its geographical and strategic significance.
The HPC will also focus on protecting land and employment, fostering inclusive development, and enhancing the empowerment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils in Leh and Kargil, alongside exploring constitutional protections.
For decades, numerous organizations in Ladakh have sought a dedicated Union Territory, a demand that was met on August 5, 2019.
Recently, the KDA and ABL have conducted protests across various locations, emphasizing their key demands.
In August, the central government established five new districts within Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang.
As a Union Territory, Ladakh comes under the direct administrative jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
