Chhewang resigns as Leh Apex Body chairman

Our Correspondent

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Jammu, July 6

Amid ongoing talks between Ladakh representatives and the Union Home Ministry regarding the Sixth Schedule and statehood for the region, a senior leader, Thupstan Chhewang, has resigned from the Leh Apex Body (LAB), one of the key organisations spearheading the discussions.

The LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been leading the talks with the Central government on behalf of Ladakh’s residents.

In a press statement following his resignation, Thupstan Chhewang said, “Since stepping away from electoral politics, I have consistently distanced myself from partisan and individual agendas. In keeping with this stance, I hereby resign as Chairman and member of the Apex Body (LAB), as well as from the High Powered Committee (HPC).”

The HPC comprises members from both LAB and KDA and is responsible for multi-round talks with Union Home Ministry representatives in New Delhi. Following recent discussions, the government notified the Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which grants an 80 per cent quota to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, predominant in the Union Territory.

“I prefer not to be entangled in competing interests. I thank all members of the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance for their wholehearted support during my tenure,” Chhewang stated.

Chhewang is a former Member of Parliament from Ladakh and holds significant influence in the region’s politics.