The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Ladakh Apex Body delegation concluded a crucial meeting with the Sub-Power Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. The discussions centered around the demand for constitutional safeguards under Article 371, the restoration of statehood for Ladakh, and the inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule.
According to KDA leader Sajad Kargili, the meeting also covered issues arising from the recent Leh violence, including the cases involving activist Sonam Wangchuk and others. Matters related to the arrest of several individuals and the implementation of a reservation policy for scholars and local communities were also discussed.
Kargili said that the delegation strongly demanded adequate compensation for families affected by the Leh violence and emphasized the need for constitutional protection to safeguard Ladakh’s identity, land, and employment rights. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday held a meeting with Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) sub-committee. The Ministry had invited the two bodies as well as the Ladakh MP for talks.
“Our demand for the past six years has been democracy in Ladakh. A great solution for this is statehood in Ladakh… This issue cannot be resolved in one or two meetings. It will take a process, and that process is ongoing. We discussed the implementation of a reservation policy in Ladakh. We also talked about the release of detainees of the 24 September incident, which also includes Sonam Wangchuk. We have also asked for compensation for the people who died or were injured in that incident…”
Mohmad Haneefa, MP Ladakh said that there is an expectation that the issues of Ladakh will be addressed by the government.
“The meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere, with an encouraging start. Both Ladakh’s leadership and officials from the Home Ministry participated openly and sincerely. Discussions focused on safeguarding issues, with all concerns presented. There is a hopeful expectation that Ladakh’s issues will be addressed in the future. Although a single meeting is unlikely to yield immediate decisions, a request was made for a series of meetings to thoroughly discuss and resolve these issues.
Additionally, demands were made for the release of detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, and compensation for families who lost loved ones in the September 24 incident. The meeting was attended by MPs and chief executive councilors, and discussions are ongoing regarding the state schedule issue,” he said.
Earlier on October 17, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered a judicial inquiry into the law and order incident that occurred in Leh town on September 24, which led to police action and the unfortunate death of four individuals.The inquiry will be conducted by former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan to examine the circumstances leading to the incident, the subsequent police action, and the resulting loss of lives.
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