Ahead of the crucial meeting tomorrow with the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have expressed confidence that their concerns about constitutional safeguards to protect the rights and identity of the people of Ladakh will be addressed promptly by the Centre.
The representatives of LAB and KDA held a meeting on Sunday evening in Delhi for two hours, where they agreed to press for their demands based on a four-point agenda, which they plan to present during a meeting with Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai.
The meeting will also be attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Joint Secretary Prashant Lokhande (in charge of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Affairs), Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan, and the chairpersons of the Leh and Kargil Hill Development Councils—Tashi Gyalson and Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, along with Dr Pawan Kotwal and the advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
The four points that LAB and KDA are demanding for the cold region include statehood, Sixth Schedule status along the lines of some northeastern states to protect tribal identity and rights, environmental safeguards, the establishment of a Public Service Commission (PSC) to facilitate timely recruitment of gazetted officers, and two Lok Sabha seats—one each for Leh and Kargil districts—to enhance parliamentary representation.
The representatives highlighted the acute administrative vacuum caused by the lack of a PSC since Ladakh’s transition to a Union territory on August 5, 2019. This has left many youths over-aged and unable to pursue government employment. The LAB and KDA leaders noted that there has been no recruitment of gazetted officers for over five years. They are also seeking age relaxation for affected youth once the PSC issue is resolved.
A statement released by LAB and KDA expressed hope for constructive engagement during the December 3 meeting: “We expect the ministry of home affairs to engage positively and ensure timely progress on these issues,” the statement read.
Leaders representing LAB include Thupstan Chhewang, a two-time MP from Ladakh; Chering Dorjay Lakruk, a former Minister in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state; and Nawang Rigzin Jora, the UT Congress chief. KDA representatives include Qamar Ali Akhoon, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalaie, and Sajjad Kargili.