Ladakh bodies submit non-negotiable demands to MHA, seek assembly and statehood

Leh, August 19: Civil society representatives from Ladakh, campaigning for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status, on Wednesday submitted a list of “non-negotiable points” to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials and Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra during an informal meeting in Leh. The meeting comes ahead of a formal dialogue expected in September this year.

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) jointly submitted the list, which prominently features the demand for a directly elected Ladakh Legislative Assembly, headed by a Chief Minister and a council of Ministers. The groups also insisted that the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh “should act on the aid and advice of the Assembly in order to prevent conflicts as seen in some UTs.”

The civil society groups underlined that the elected legislature must have “meaningful and constitutionally protected control over taxation, Budget, appropriation, expenditure, borrowing and public funds, including a constitutionally protected Consolidated Fund and Contingency Fund.” They further said that home affairs should be placed substantially under the democratic control of the elected government and the Assembly. Additionally, they called for a separate Public Service Commission for Ladakh, along with distinct Ladakh Administrative and Police Services.

Speaking after the meeting, LAB president Chering Dorjay Lakrook said a formal meeting is expected in the first or second week of September. He also questioned the composition of members engaging with the MHA’s high-powered committee, noting that some participants were not part of the earlier list of the MHA. “If they join the formal meetings as observers it’s fine, but they put forth only the government version during the meetings,” he said.

Mr. Lakrook also demanded the withdrawal of cases against locals who participated in protests in September 2025. Four civilians died during the street agitation last year, and around 90 people, including security personnel, were injured. The LAB and KDA are observing September as ‘Martyrs’ Month’ and plan to pay tribute to those who died during the agitation over Statehood and Sixth Schedule demands.

Sajjaf Kargili, a member of the KDA, said the list of non-negotiable points “clearly outlines our key demands and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.” He added that they also submitted a resolution demanding the unconditional withdrawal of all cases against those affected by the 24 September incident, along with dignified and adequate compensation for the victims and their families. “We remain firmly committed to safeguarding the democratic, constitutional, and political rights of the people of Ladakh,” he said.