Kargili backs Legislative Body for Ladakh, seeks constitutional safeguards before ADCs

KARGIL: Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) Co-Chairman Sajjad Kargili on Sunday said that the recent dialogue between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Leh Apex Body (LAB) and KDA marked an important step towards addressing Ladakh’s long-pending demands, with the Centre conveying its willingness to establish a legislative body for the Union Territory along with executive, financial and administrative powers.

Addressing a press conference, Kargili said the MHA had indicated that Ladakh could be provided a legislative mechanism and customised constitutional safeguards based on provisions available under Articles 371(A) and 371(J). He said the KDA and LAB had requested the Ministry to share a detailed draft proposal so that it could be examined by legal and constitutional experts.

“The main understanding that emerged was that Ladakh would be given a legislative body with executive, financial and administrative powers. Along with this, constitutional safeguards will be provided in a customised manner,” Kargili said.

He, however, clarified that the immediate priority of the KDA remains an empowered elected legislative body for the entire Union Territory before any discussion on restructuring district-level institutions.

Reacting to the ongoing debate over Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Kargili rejected allegations that the KDA opposed district councils. He said the organisation has consistently supported stronger constitutional protections, including the Sixth Schedule, but maintained that any council created for Ladakh must have genuine powers.

“We have never opposed Autonomous District Councils under Article 244. If any party brings ADCs under the Sixth Schedule, we will welcome it. Our concern is with creating only a nominal body without powers and misleading people,” he said.

Kargili argued that the legislative body of Ladakh should first be established, after which elected representatives could decide the structure and powers of district-level councils according to local requirements.

He questioned the clarity over the proposed district councils, including their powers, constituencies and relationship with Panchayati Raj Institutions. “People must know what type of council is being proposed, what powers it will have and whether it will actually protect land, culture, environment and customary laws,” he said.

Kargili emphasised that Ladakh requires institutions with legislative authority to safeguard its unique identity, fragile ecology and traditional practices. “Any institution should have the power to make laws, protect our land, forests, glaciers, environment and customs. People should not be satisfied with institutions that have no real authority,” he said.

He also questioned the role of District Development Councils (DDCs), saying their powers and constitutional framework needed greater clarity. He cautioned against creating multiple overlapping institutions without clearly defining their responsibilities.

The KDA leader urged the government to release a detailed draft of the proposed legislative body at the earliest, including its composition, delimitation process and powers. “Once the draft comes, we will consult legal and constitutional experts and move forward. People should not be kept in confusion,” he said.

Kargili added that Ladakh’s long-term aspirations for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status would continue, but the proposed legislative body could serve as an important step towards addressing immediate governance concerns.

On the recent announcement of new districts in Ladakh, Kargili welcomed the move but alleged that certain areas had faced injustice in the process. Representing the concerns raised by the Jamia Ulama Sharia Kargil, he demanded district status for Sankoo and Shakar Chiktan areas, saying the administration should address the issue with a “sense of justice”.

“Creation of new districts is a welcome step, but the concerns of areas like Sankoo and Shakar Chiktan must be addressed. The people should not feel neglected,” he said.