LAB, KDA say they want dialogue at the earliest
*Both bodies likely to be called to New Delhi soon
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 7: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs proposed to hold talks with representatives of the Union Territory of Ladakh on their various issues including grant of Sixth Schedule status etc shortly to amicably resolve the issue as the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had recently stated that they could go for agitation if they are not called for the meeting to address their concerns.
Top officials told the Excelsior that the Union Home Ministry has decided to revive stalled talks with the Ladakh representatives and they could be called for talks in New Delhi shortly.
“A Union Minister of State for Home is likely to be designated for the talks”, they said.
“We will resolve the issue raised by Ladakh representatives amicably,” the top officials said, adding the talks are likely to be resumed shortly. Talks are expected to take place in New Delhi.
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was in Ladakh for more than one and half months in July and August and all LAB representatives were busy with the visit. Later, LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang met with an accident and was injured.
LAB leader Chering Dorjay, former Minister, when telephonically approached for comments on proposed talks, said if they are invited by the Union Home Ministry it will be a welcome step.
In fact, he added, “we are waiting for an offer for the talks”. Otherwise, he said, they are going to launch an agitation in support of their demands. The talks should be held at the earliest, he asserted.
The LAB and KDA demands include Statehood to Ladakh, Sixth Schedule-like status, two Parliamentary seats, empowerment of both Hill Councils and job opportunities for the local youth.
KDA leader Nassir Munshi said instead of empowerment of Hill Councils, the bureaucrats have disempowered them.
“If the talks are held, we will definitely participate and raise our issues jointly. The LAB and KDA are united,” Munshi said, adding they want the dialogue to take place at the earliest.
The last contact between Ladakh representatives and the Union Home Ministry was on June 17 this year when LAB Chairman Thupstan Chhewang held one-to-one talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and briefed him on the issues of Ladakh.
The Central Government is reportedly of the view that grant of Statehood to Ladakh is not possible because of a variety of factors including very less population, voters etc. It’s opinion is that Union Territory was long pending demand of the people which was fulfilled by the Central Government on August 5, 2019.
“The Centre is even averse to grant of Legislature to Ladakh within the Union Territory,” sources pointed out.
However, according to sources, the Central Government is ready to discuss and consider Sixth Schedule-like status to Ladakh.
As far as demand for two Lok Sabha seats instead of present one and more employment opportunities, the MHA is ready for discussion whenever the large delegation of Ladakh is invited for talks.
“The Home Ministry is ready for Sixth Schedule-like status to Ladakh and discuss other demands raised by the Apex Body and KDA”, sources pointed out.
Earlier, representatives of LAB and KDA had met Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on August 29, 2021 in Leh.
Rai had assured to set up a Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs for talks with LAB and KDA but such a Panel hasn’t been set up till date. The LAB and KDA meeting with Rai on August 29 was the last direct official meeting between representatives of Ladakh and the Union Home Ministry till Chhewang was called for talks by Amit Shah on June 17.
However, according to sources, backchannels remained active and LAB was reportedly conveyed by some of the officials that the Central Government is not ready to discuss the demand for grant of Statehood to Ladakh.
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