JAMMU, Dec 2: Ahead of important discussions with the Union Home Ministry, representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) convened at Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi this evening and expressed optimism about the Centre addressing their concerns in a timely manner.
They confirmed their intention to pursue a four-point agenda during the meeting set for December 3, led by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. Seven members from both LAB and KDA are anticipated to participate, having arrived in the capital to join the two-hour joint discussion at Ladakh Bhawan.
In addition to Rai, the meeting will include Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Prashant Lokhande, Joint Secretary MHA specializing in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan, and the chairpersons-cum-CECs of the Leh and Kargil Hill Development Councils, Tashi Gyalson and Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, along with Dr.
Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. LAB and KDA representatives indicated they would focus on their four-point agenda while acknowledging that resolving these issues might take time. They emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and timely solutions. The four-point agenda encompasses demands for Statehood, Sixth Schedule status, a dedicated Public Services Commission (PSC), and two parliamentary seats for Ladakh.
Among the LAB representatives attending the High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting are Thupstan Chhewang, a two-time MP, former J&K State Minister Chering Dorjay Lakruk, and Nawang Rigzin Jora, the UT chief of Congress. The KDA will be represented by members Qamar Ali Akhoon, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalaie, and Sajjad Kargili.
A joint statement released by LAB and KDA after their meeting reaffirmed their commitment to the four key demands for Ladakh and stressed the need for constructive discussions with the MHA on December 3, anticipating a positive engagement from the Ministry.
They also expressed hope that follow-up meetings would be organized swiftly to ensure meaningful advancement on these matters. The statement highlighted their advocacy for restoring democracy in Ladakh through Statehood, aiming for improved governance, community participation, and economic growth. They seek Sixth Schedule status for enhanced autonomy, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and safeguarding tribal rights. The representatives will call for establishing a Public Service Commission specific to Ladakh and a swift recruitment process for Gazetted Officers to meet administrative demands.
They argued that having distinct Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil would boost Ladakh’s representation in Parliament. Reports suggest a potential agreement regarding the PSC, as both groups seem determined to address this issue, given the adverse impact on youth due to a lack of recruitment since Ladakh became a Union Territory on August 5, 2019. A senior Ladakhi leader mentioned that while they have been requesting a dedicated PSC for Ladakh, they would also accept the Jammu and Kashmir PSC.
However, they have firmly rejected the idea of Ladakh joining the DANIAS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu Civil Services). Since becoming a Union Territory over five years ago, there has been no recruitment of Gazetted Officers in Ladakh due to the absence of a PSC. Many young individuals have now surpassed the age limit for recruitment. The Apex Body and KDA will be advocating for age relaxation for the youth after resolving the PSC issue.
