SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed the Centre’s dedication to providing constitutional protections to Ladakh. During a meeting with a six-member delegation comprising representatives from the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in New Delhi, Shah assured them that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government was committed to ensuring Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards.
The delegation, hailing from the Union Territory of Ladakh, visited Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday.
However, Former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang, spearheading the discussions, expressed disappointment after meeting Shah, stating that the Home Minister firmly rejected the possibility of granting statehood or guarantees within the Sixth Schedule. Senior Vice President of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, highlighted Shah’s stance, indicating that the dialogue reached an impasse.
Meanwhile, Home Ministry in a statement reassured the delegation that the High Powered Committee on Ladakh, tasked with addressing the demands of ABL and KDA, is actively discussing the modalities for providing such Constitutional safeguards.
It stressed the importance of the consultative mechanism established through the Committee, emphasising ongoing engagement on crucial issues including the preservation of the region’s unique culture and language, land and employment protection, inclusive development, empowerment of LAHDCs, and the examination of constitutional safeguards for positive outcomes.
The backdrop of the discussions revolves around Ladakh’s demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, seeking tribal status and greater autonomy. The failure to reach an agreement adds to the mounting tension in the region, compounded by previous shutdowns and protests over perceived disenfranchisement.
