Ladakh bodies reject Indian proposal as bluff, talks hit rocky patch
Leh: The Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have rejected the Indian government’s proposal to empower Hill Councils, seeing it as a ploy to derail their demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the twin bodies insist on their original demands. “We refused to listen to the Indian ministry’s proposal for empowering Hill Councils. That is not our demand,” LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk said.
The LAB and KDA are awaiting the next round of talks, promised within 15-20 days after the February 4 High Powered Committee meeting. If delayed, they will hold a joint meeting to discuss future action.
New Delhi offers Councils with powers equivalent to a government, with Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons having Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister ranks. However, LAB and KDA stand firm on Statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
Ladakh currently has two Autonomous Hill Development Councils, with five new districts announced in August 2024, taking the total to seven. Delhi may grant Hill Councils to all seven districts or two Councils for Leh and Kargil. However, the standoff continues, with no clear resolution in sight.
