NEW DELHI, Dec 4: Representatives from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance met with Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Tuesday to discuss their requests for statehood, the inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a dedicated public service commission for the area, according to sources.
Both groups are also advocating for two Lok Sabha seats—one for Kargil and one for Leh. Currently, Ladakh has only one Lok Sabha seat, known as Ladakh. This meeting followed assurances from the central government to Ladakhi activists led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had protested in Delhi after a march from Ladakh to raise awareness about their demands.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been pushing for statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and the formation of a specific public service commission for some time now. A high-powered committee (HPC) appointed by the government, chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, has been holding discussions with the LAB and KDA to address their requests.
Ladakh was previously part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which had four representatives in the Assembly. The special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir by Article 370 of the Constitution was revoked on August 5, 2019, resulting in the division of the state into two Union territories—Jammu and Kashmir with a Legislative Assembly and Ladakh without one.
The BJP-led central government had promised a delegation from Ladakh last December that it would prioritize the development of the Union Territory and address the aspirations of the local population. This commitment was reiterated during a meeting with the HPC for Ladakh. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formed the HPC, chaired by Union Minister Rai, to discuss necessary measures for safeguarding the region’s unique culture and language, considering its geographical significance and strategic location.
The HPC is also tasked with protecting land and employment, fostering inclusive development and job creation, empowering the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil, and exploring potential constitutional safeguards. For decades, various groups in Ladakh have called for the establishment of a separate Union Territory, a demand that was met on August 5, 2019. Recently, the KDA and LAB organized protests at various locations to draw attention to their key demands.
In August, the central government announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. As a Union Territory, Ladakh is under the direct administrative oversight of the Union home ministry.
