Delegation of KDA and LAB meeting MHA’s sub-committee
Representatives of two major civil society groups from Ladakh said on Friday they had reached an “in-principle understanding” with the Centre on a framework aimed at restoring democratic governance and providing constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory.The understanding emerged during talks between a subcommittee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and leaders of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.Representatives from Ladakh, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, participated in the discussions held in New Delhi. Wangchuk attended the dialogue process for the first time since talks between Ladakhi leaders and the Centre began.The talks focused on Ladakh’s future administrative and political structure and addressed long-standing demands for greater autonomy and constitutional protections.According to the joint statement, the proposed framework envisages legislative, executive and financial powers being vested in an elected Union Territory-level legislature. All bureaucrats, including the chief secretary, would function under the executive head of the elected body.The LAB and KDA reiterated their demands for restoration of democracy, constitutional safeguards and eventual Statehood, saying these reflected the aspirations of the people of Ladakh for an inclusive and sustainable governance model.The two groups have been engaged in discussions with the Centre since 2021, following Ladakh’s reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019. Their key demands include inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, restoration of statehood, establishment of a separate public service commission and separate parliamentary representation for Leh and Kargil.According to the statement, MHA officials told the delegations that immediate Statehood for Ladakh was not feasible because the region currently lacks sufficient revenue generation to meet its expenditure commitments, including government salaries.However, the proposed arrangement could serve as a pathway towards full Statehood once Ladakh attains the necessary fiscal capacity, the statement said.The latest meeting followed a previous round of talks held in New Delhi in February, which ended without a breakthrough on the key demands raised by Ladakhi representatives.Friday’s discussions, however, appeared to mark progress, with both sides agreeing to continue consultations on the contours of the proposed governance model.The LAB and KDA said they would continue engaging with the MHA, legal experts and constitutional specialists to work out the operational details and legal framework required to implement the proposed arrangement.Published on May 22, 2026
