MHA-LAB-KDA Talks: Statehood Deferred, Elected UT Government Proposed for Ladakh

> Minutes of Meeting outline elected Governance framework for Ladakh; Statehood remains long-term objective

LEH: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed the establishment of a Union Territory-level elected body with executive, financial and legislative powers for Ladakh, while reaffirming that statehood would remain the region’s long-term aspiration, according to the minutes of the fifth meeting of the Sub-Committee of the High-Powered Committee on Ladakh. The minutes were formally endorsed during a follow-up meeting held in Leh on Friday.

The document states that participants unanimously agreed that strengthening democratic governance through a customised institutional framework should be the immediate priority. As a first step, the proposed elected body would exercise executive, financial and legislative authority, with the finer contours of the arrangement to be worked out in subsequent rounds of discussions.

The proposal emerged after the Ministry reviewed progress made during five meetings of the High-Powered Committee and four meetings of its Sub-Committee. During the deliberations, the Ministry also presented a probable structure for self-governance in Ladakh, describing it as the next phase in the Centre’s engagement with the Union Territory.

Representatives from Ladakh, however, reiterated their longstanding political demands, including full statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, creation of separate Ladakh Administrative and Police Services, and withdrawal of cases related to the September 24, 2025 incident. They further argued that the bureaucracy should function under the supervision of an elected government to ensure greater administrative accountability.

Reflecting this concern, the minutes record that the Centre agreed in principle that civil servants handling subjects falling within the jurisdiction of the proposed elected body would come under its control and supervision, including matters relating to Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR). The operational framework, however, will be finalised under the Transaction of Business Rules during future meetings.

The meeting also deliberated on constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. While discussing various models under Article 371, participants agreed that a customised sui generis framework suited to Ladakh’s distinct socio-cultural and administrative requirements would be developed. A draft proposal defining the executive, financial and legislative powers of the elected body, along with its relationship with Panchayati Raj Institutions, will be prepared for further deliberation and refinement.

According to the minutes, the participants also acknowledged the Union Government’s initiatives in Ladakh following its transition into a Union Territory. These include domicile-based protections, reservation measures, employment initiatives, infrastructure development, administrative reforms and cultural recognition. The document notes that these measures provide the basis for advancing towards a democratic institutional framework capable of offering greater political representation.

The follow-up meeting in Leh endorsed the minutes of the May 22 deliberations, signalling continuity in the Centre’s dialogue with Ladakh’s political and civil society leadership. Among those present were Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Additional Secretary in the MHA Prashant S. Lokhande, Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa, LAHDC Kargil Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, Apex Body Leh Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, Kargil Democratic Alliance leaders Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Hussain Kargili, former MLA Deldan Namgyal, former LAHDC Leh CEC Tashi Gyalson and All Ladakh Gompa Association Vice President Ven. Lobzang Tashi.

The endorsed minutes indicate that while Ladakh’s core political demands remain under discussion, both the Centre and regional stakeholders have agreed to pursue a phased governance framework aimed at expanding democratic participation within the existing Union Territory structure.