Ladakh groups claim breakthrough in talks with MHA on legislative powers

SRINAGAR: Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, the two organisations negotiating with the Union govt for administrative autonomy to Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, claimed a breakthrough Wednesday in talks with the MHA’s subcommittee in Delhi on legislative powers over land, culture and language, forests and natural resources.In a joint statement, the groups said the meeting furthered the “in-principle understanding” reached during talks on May 22 and July 3 on Ladakh’s demands, including constitutional safeguards through special provisions under Article 371.They said MHA stopped short of guaranteeing powers across the board under Lists II and III of the Seventh Schedule, including law and order.MHA assured compensation to the families of those killed and the protesters injured in the Sept 24, 2025, violence in Leh, the groups claimed. The Union govt also agreed to withdraw cases against 24 people and review those against another 34 on a case-to-case basis. Cases against 25 people have already been withdrawn.Ladakh chief secretary Ashish Kundra wrote on X about the “general air of positivity” at the Delhi meeting without elaborating beyond the agenda. “The broad contours of a sui generis model of governance under Article 371 were discussed. Deepening democracy is the goal,” he said.Another round of talks is scheduled for the first week of Oct.The groups said they were concerned over the formation of new districts, the creation of hill councils for each and what they called “major irreversible changes being done before an elected body at the Union Territory”.

Making such changes before the UT body can legislate, they said, “would essentially deprive the people of Ladakh an opportunity to democratically decide on the structure of administration in Ladakh”.Ladakhi representatives have been in talks with MHA since 2023 for safeguards covering land, jobs, culture and environment. MHA set up the committee on Jan 2, 2023, but the process stalled after four people were killed and over 80 injured in alleged police firing on protesters demanding statehood in Leh in Sept last year.Activist Sonam Wangchuk, a LAB member, was accused of inciting the protesters, arrested and charged under the NSA. The Centre revoked his detention last March and he returned to the negotiating table in May.