The Centre has moved "a step forward to fruitful engagement" in the latest round of talks to discuss the demand for a statehood for Ladakh, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) said.
The meeting, a third of its kind, was held in Delhi on Saturday. It was attended by officials of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and three representatives each from the LAB and KDA.
“The hope is that our demands are practically notified. The government has decided to bring in legal experts to deliberate on the Sixth Schedule in the next meeting. The KDA and Apex Body have suggested that political representation should also feature in the committee along with legal experts. This is so that the talks can be holistic,” said Sajjad Kargili, representing the KDA.
“MHA officials also said that they are willing to hold the next meeting in Ladakh. The talks have centred around public service commission, and employment for the youth,” he added.
The representatives of KDA and the Leh Apex Body presented their demands and expectations in the meeting.
The primary claim is the legislation of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This will provide autonomy to tribal districts in various sectors, including agriculture, public health, inheritance laws, and more.
Long advocated, this will secure the rights of tribal communities, affirming them in socio-economic and political spectrums while accepting their diverse cultural heritage.
At the second meeting held in Delhi last week, a subcommittee was proposed and established.
This strategic entity will dissect the demands, analyse the practical implications, recommend solutions, and open channels of discourse between local bodies and the MHA.
Following this, the demand for statehood of Ladakh was advocated. This would provide the region with a self-governing body, ensuring more local representation in decision-making processes that directly affect the people.
The KDA believes that a statehood would empower the locals in Ladakh on multiple fronts, enhancing administrative efficiency, political empowerment, and socio-economic welfare.
Moreover, the representatives also encouraged the protection and recognition of the local language, culture, and land. They further stressed the sustainable management of the region’s resources and the introduction of alternative livelihood options to sustain the tribal population.
Ladakh has witnessed recent unrest ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, due to the statehood demand.
On February 4, protest rallies were staged in Leh district, as locals observed a complete shutdown to press for their four demands - statehood for Ladakh; inclusion of Ladakh in the sixth schedule of the Constitution giving it a tribal status; job reservation for locals; and a parliamentary seat each for Leh and Kargil.
The shutdown was called by the LAB and KDA.
On January 23, the two local bodies had submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Ministry, presenting their demands.
Published By:
Karishma Saurabh Kalita
Published On:
Feb 25, 2024
English (US) ·