India dillydallying on Ladakh talks as LAB, KDA await invite
Srinagar: With less than a week left for the crucial Sub-Committee meeting on Ladakh convened by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, key stakeholders Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance say they have not received any formal invitation, agenda or details of venue and timing.
According to Kashmir Media Service, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk confirmed that no official communication had been received despite the meeting being scheduled for May 22.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena had announced the May 22 date ahead of Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Ladakh in April. However, LAB and KDA have been demanding a meeting of the High Powered Committee, instead of the Sub-Committee chaired by ministry and local officials.
Both alliances have been agitating for over five years demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The locals accuse New Delhi of dragging its feet on core political demands. The delay comes as political rifts in Kargil Hill Development Council threaten to further complicate representation, with Chairperson-cum-CEC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon facing a no-confidence motion while remaining a member of both committees.
