Ladakh bodies seek statehood, inclusion in Sixth Schedule

Naseer Ganai

Advertisement

Srinagar, February 25

A day after the meeting between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)’s sub-committee in New Delhi with the representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Ladakh leaders are hopeful of the outcome. The committee has fixed the next round of the dialogue in the coming days.

On Saturday, a meeting was held at the North Block and it lasted for two hours. The issues raised by LAB and KDA included statehood, Sixth Schedule status and the establishment of a Public Services Commission (PSC) for Ladakh.

While no official statement was released post-meeting, LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang told reporters the meeting was held in constructive and positive atmosphere. “The meeting was held in a positive atmosphere,” Chhewang said without revealing anything further. While Asgar Ali Karbali said they would give a statement after another round of the meeting.

The Saturday’s meeting was the third meeting between MHA, LAB, and KDA representatives within a span of three months. The Ladakh’s two bodies have already presented a four-point agenda to the MHA including statehood to Ladakh, extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Public Service Commission and one each MP from Kargil and Leh.

On January 2, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a high-powered committee, led by the Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, to address key concerns arising in the UT of Ladakh. The Ministry of Home Affairs held the meeting of its high-powered committee on February 19 in New Delhi. It was decided to hold another meeting on February 24. However, before the meeting, both LAB and KDA were asked to submit their demands in writing.