Chief Secy calls Ladakh–Centre meeting ‘constructive’

His remarks came even as Ladakh leaders termed the meeting “inconclusive”.

“A constructive dialogue in the HPC meeting yesterday, chaired by Shri Nityanand Rai. A free-flowing discussion took place on the draft submitted by LAB and KDA. Core issues discussed included models for greater political autonomy, youth employment, women’s representation and maintaining a balance between Leh and Kargil,” Kundra said in a post on X.

The meeting, held on Wednesday (February 4), was chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and attended by senior Home Ministry officials. Following the talks, Ladakh leaders said negotiations remained inconclusive, with another round of discussions expected in about 15 days.

The core demands raised during the meeting included statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. These demands have already been formally submitted to the Union Home Ministry.

Sources said the Centre proposed safeguards under Article 371, including financial and legislative powers, and also suggested the formation of a territorial council for Ladakh.

“Everything was discussed, but there was no conclusion,” said a source familiar with the deliberations.

Sources added that the government also discussed the possibility of a Legislative Assembly for Ladakh without granting statehood. However, Ladakh leaders did not agree to the proposals offered by the Centre.

“We discussed the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule. There was discussion, but no conclusion. We cannot say the talks were either successful or a failure. The meeting was inconclusive,” Leh Apex Body co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakruk said.