Describing the May 22 meeting as a “breakthrough” moment for the political dialogue in Ladakh, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory, Ashish Kundra, on Monday said that discussions are now focusing on a “customised” constitutional and administrative framework to address the region’s aspirations within the ambit of the Constitution.
“Over the next few months, we may begin moving towards a concrete outcome,” he said.
The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under its political dialogue sub-committee, was attended by its officials, representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), besides former and sitting Members of Parliament from Ladakh.
Kundra said that the Centre has asked representatives of Ladakhi groups to prepare and submit a document outlining their proposed framework based on the discussions.
“I believe the discussions were held in a highly constructive and open atmosphere. In fact, if I were to describe the May 22 meeting in one or two words, I would call it a breakthrough moment,” he told reporters here.
He said that for many months, and indeed years, there has been an ongoing process driven by political and democratic aspirations. “Different groups have been advocating their respective positions and concerns through dialogue and engagement.” The May 22 meeting “marked a significant step forward in this process, creating an environment where various stakeholders could engage openly and work towards greater understanding and consensus on issues concerning Ladakh’s future”, he said.
Pointing to the difficulties in the dialogue process, he said, “One group would present its views in one manner, while another would put forward its concerns differently, and there was often a lack of coordination or a unified voice.
The LAB and KDA have been jointly engaged in talks with the Centre since 2021 over their key demands, including statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
According to Kundra, the latest discussions explored whether a new framework under Article 371 could be developed to address Ladakh’s concerns regarding protection of land, preservation of culture and safeguarding employment opportunities for local youth.
He said the meeting examined the possibility of a “customised solution” unique to Ladakh, including the creation of a body with political, executive and legislative powers and strengthening local governance institutions.
“There was broad in-principle understanding among representatives from Kargil, Leh and the Government of India that the framework discusse deserved further exploration,” he said. Kundra said the Centre acknowledged the aspirations for statehood but pointed out that prevailing financial and administrative realities did not make immediate statehood feasible.
“They acknowledged that people have aspirations regarding statehood. However, under present circumstances, the conditions may not be conducive for granting statehood immediately,” he said. At the same time, he said, the Centre did not reject the aspiration altogether and was instead focusing on practical and constitutionally viable alternatives.
“The question then becomes — if not statehood, what alternative framework could be explored? Discussions have now begun on a customised model for Ladakh, unlike any arrangement existing elsewhere in India,” he said.
Kundra stressed that any constitutional changes emerging from the process would ultimately require Parliament’s approval.
He also sought to dispel confusion over reports relating to the meeting, saying that official minutes had not yet been issued and that a draft record shared among stakeholders was only intended to facilitate discussion.
“I am here for them. People should come forward and speak openly. We will certainly convey their views to the Government of India,” he said, describing himself as a link between the people of Ladakh and the Centre.
On employment, Kundra said the Centre had introduced a reservation formula for Ladakh that was unique among Union Territories and aimed at addressing local aspirations.
The chief secretary also said administrative arrangements for the newly created districts were being streamlined, with proposals relating to Drawing and Disbursing Officers already submitted to the Lieutenant Governor for approval and budgetary allocations planned accordingly.
Emphasising the importance of trust in the ongoing talks, Kundra said the latest round of discussions had generated a new atmosphere of confidence and constructive engagement.
“If both sides continue to move forward in this spirit, more possibilities and solutions will emerge,” he said. (Agencies)
