Ladakh Groups Call for Shutdown Over Disputed Meeting Minutes

Nearly a month after their meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), two representative groups from Ladakh—the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—have announced a shutdown on June 23. The decision follows their refusal to sign the minutes of the May 22 meeting, which they say do not reflect key discussions.

A subcommittee comprising members from both groups met MHA officials on May 22. After the meeting, the groups had announced that significant decisions were taken, including extending protections under Article 371 of the Constitution to Ladakh and working on a democratic framework to give Ladakhis legislative, executive, and financial control over the region.

However, a document containing the minutes was later circulated for signatures. ABL co-chairman Tsering Dorjay Lakrook said it “did not reflect the discussion between members of the subcommittee and the MHA.” Both groups refused to sign.

On Saturday, ABL and KDA addressed the press to announce the shutdown, stating that no businesses will remain open on the day of the protest. Taxis were exempted due to the ongoing tourist season.

Lakrook said the minutes omitted discussions on control over the bureaucracy by a proposed legislative body, as well as clauses A, G, and F of Article 371. “Both these issues are crucial for us and we feel that the government should stay consistent on the decisions taken during our meetings. It should not be that we take two steps forward to go two steps back,” he said.

KDA chairperson Asgar Ali Karbalai said the subcommittee had discussed core issues of statehood, the Sixth Schedule, and a democratic setup with legislative, executive, and financial powers. According to Karbalai, the MHA said inclusion under the Sixth Schedule is “not possible,” but protections under Article 371 were discussed. A final draft from the MHA was expected within a month but has not yet been received.

“This was supposed to include powers over bureaucracy including the chief secretary. It’s been almost a month since the meeting, this draft still hasn’t come. Our tolerance and patience has a limit. If you cross this, this agitation can take any shape and then we will not be to blame. Do not test our patience, we will not dilute our demands,” Karbalai said.

Without directly mentioning the liberalized liquor policy, both groups also cautioned the Ladakh UT administration against approving policies without consulting the people of Ladakh.