‘Modi govt’s Ladakh proposals insufficient, fail to address core issues’
Leh: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has firmly rejected the latest proposals by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Indian government regarding Ladakh in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, deeming them insufficient in addressing the core issues of the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a media interview, Leh-based LAB President Cherring Dorje criticized the BJP’s measures, including the creation of new districts and the addition of another battalion under the Ladakh Scouts, as inadequate. Dorje emphasized that these measures fail to address the fundamental demands of Ladakh’s leadership, reiterating that the LAB’s ‘Four-Point Agenda’ remains the only effective solution to the region’s challenges.
The ‘Four-Point Agenda’ includes constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of Indian constitution, Statehood for Ladakh, creation of two separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, a distinct Public Service Commission for the region.
Dorje revealed that a joint delegation from LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), recently met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, presenting a memorandum urging the resumption of discussions on the ‘Four-Point Agenda’. They emphasized the urgent need for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections to preserve Ladakh’s ecological and cultural heritage. LAB and KDA represent various political, social, religious, student oorganisations in Leh and Kargil districts respectively.
Following this, a BJP delegation of BJP leaders from Ladakh held meetings with the Indian Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Recent media reports indicate that the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs is considering a series of new measures for Ladakh, including creating additional districts, accelerating work on the Kargil airport, and allowing civilian aircraft at Nubra airport. However, it appears unlikely that the long-sought Sixth Schedule status or statehood will be granted.
It is worth mentioning that the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides protections for land and grant autonomy to tribal areas, which the people in Ladakh believe is crucial for preserving their unique identity and resources. Nonetheless, the Indian government remains reluctant to grant this status.
