Ladakh leaders have claimed a major breakthrough in talks with the Centre, saying a customised political framework with CM-like powers may soon be introduced.
Former Ladakh MP Thupstan Chhewang said talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre resulted in a “historic consensus” on a customised governance model. | ANI
A fresh round of talks between representatives of Ladakh civil society groups and the Union Home Ministry has resulted in what leaders described as a “historic consensus” on a customised political and administrative framework for the Union Territory.
Former Ladakh MP Thupstan Chhewang on Friday said discussions between the Leh Apex Body (LAB), Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and the Centre had produced a “major breakthrough” after years of negotiations over Ladakh’s political future and constitutional safeguards.
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According to Chhewang, the proposed framework would empower elected bodies in Ladakh with authority similar to that exercised by a Chief Minister and council of ministers, including limited law-making powers, even though full statehood or Union Territory status with legislature is not being granted at present.
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Speaking to ANI, Chhewang said key demands raised by Ladakh groups over the past several years had included statehood, a legislature for the Union Territory, and constitutional protections.
“For five to six years, dialogue with the Home Ministry had brought partial consensus and implementation at the ground level, but the key demands — statehood and UT with legislature, along with constitutional safeguards — had remained unresolved,” he said.
“Today, however, a historic consensus was reached. It was agreed that due to financial non-viability, Ladakh cannot at present be granted statehood or UT with legislature. Yet, a customised political system will be implemented, giving elected bodies powers similar to those of a Chief Minister and ministers, including law-making authority,” he added.
BJP leader Tashi Gyalson also described the talks as constructive and said several long-pending issues had finally been addressed.
“I consider this a major breakthrough, as many long-pending issues were finally addressed. Key discussions centred on Ladakh’s financial viability and how it can sustain itself in the future, as well as the need for Ladakh-specific customised safeguards given its unique context and dynamics,” he told ANI.
Gyalson added that the deliberations focused on balancing Ladakh’s interests with national priorities.
“From the very beginning, the government’s intention towards Ladakh has been positive,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited Ladakh earlier this month, where he inaugurated the exposition of sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Leh.
Calling the occasion historic, Shah had said the return of the relics to Ladakh after 75 years on Buddha Purnima marked a “golden occasion”.
He also said Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual heritage demonstrated that peace and compassion remained the only lasting path amid conflict and instability.
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