The Indian government has formally proposed the establishment of an elected legislative body for the Union Territory of Ladakh, a move that comes after years of sustained agitation by local civil society organizations. However, regional leaders have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the pace of negotiations and the absence of a finalized proposal.
According to a statement from civil society members, the suggestion was made during a meeting in New Delhi. The proposal involves introducing a new Chapter K under Article 371 of the Constitution, which would grant the UT-level body legislative authority over key areas including environment, land, culture, and language, as well as other subjects reserved for the Union Territory under Article 240.
Despite the offer, representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the broader civil society coalition indicated they were unhappy with the proceedings. Chering Dorje Lakruk, co-chairman of the LAB, told DW that the government merely repeated points discussed during a previous meeting on May 22. He confirmed that no draft of the proposal has been provided yet, though officials have promised to present one at a follow-up meeting expected in the second week of October.
“The government is buying time,” Lakruk stated, voicing disappointment over the prolonged delays. Tensions had risen sharply prior to the talks, with the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) having called for a protest march on September 10. The government agreed to the Delhi meeting shortly after the planned demonstration.
Since Ladakh lost its special constitutional status under Article 370 in 2019 and was reorganized into a Union Territory, the region has been under direct central government control. Civil society groups argue that this change removed essential safeguards designed to protect tribal lands, local employment opportunities, and the fragile Himalayan ecology from external corporate interests. Consequently, the LAB and KDA have been demanding full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution since 2019.
Meanwhile, security preparations are underway in the capital for the upcoming BRICS Summit. Delhi police have deployed approximately 15,000 personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries while minimizing disruption to the public. The summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13.
Interesting how environmental concerns are now part of the legislative agenda. Hopefully, this actually protects the fragile Himalayan ecology this time.
Article 371 was a relief but not a solution. We need constitutional safeguards, not just more Delhi-appointed committees.
Is this just about keeping the BRICS summit protest-free? The timing feels too convenient given the security deployments.
Another meeting, another promise. If they truly cared, they would have sent the draft by now instead of waiting until October.
Statehood or Sixth Schedule? Ladakhis just want protection. A bare elected body without land rights is insufficient.