Ladakh Body Rejects Centre's Draft, Calls It 'Empty' and 'Testing Lab'
Ladakh's Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has rejected the Centre's proposed governance model for the Union Territory, calling it an 'empty draft' and accusing the government of turning the region into a 'testing lab'. The KDA, one of two bodies negotiating with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), said the draft did not reflect the aspirations of Ladakh's people but instead prioritized the interests of the administration. The draft, which was presented after a meeting in July, was said to propose a model similar to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which the KDA and Apex Body Leh (ABL) had previously agreed to in principle. The leaders said the draft failed to address constitutional safeguards or legislative powers, placing all authority under Article 240, which grants powers to the Lieutenant Governor. The KDA and ABL have sent their comments to the MHA, but the talks have stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress. The leaders accused the administration of pushing notifications without meaningful reforms, including the announcement of panchayat polls and hill councils, which they said do not address the core issues of governance and representation. The dispute highlights the ongoing struggle for greater autonomy and statehood in Ladakh, with the KDA and ABL demanding a sui generis model that would empower the region's people.
Sources
This is an AI-generated story and may contain errors. Verify important information with original sources.