Ladakh Delegation Optimistic Ahead of Crucial MHA Panel Meeting
As the next round of discussions between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) panel is set to take place on May 27, members from Leh and Kargil remain hopeful that their longstanding demands will finally see progress.
For over four years, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been advocating for constitutional safeguards, statehood, and employment security. With the Union Home Ministry’s High-Powered Committee (HPC) convening in New Delhi, the delegation is determined to push for concrete resolutions.
The Four Key Demands: What Ladakh Wants
The LAB and KDA have consistently raised four primary demands before the Central Government:
- Granting Statehood to Ladakh – Advocating for full-fledged governance instead of Union Territory status.
- Inclusion Under the Sixth Schedule – Seeking constitutional safeguards to protect Ladakh’s cultural and economic interests.
- Establishment of a Separate Public Service Commission (PSC) – Ensuring local recruitment autonomy for Ladakh’s youth.
- Allocation of Two Parliamentary Seats – Demanding separate representation for Leh and Kargil, instead of the current single seat.
The Upcoming Meeting: What to Expect
- Date & Venue: The HPC meeting will take place on May 27 in New Delhi, chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
- Delegation Strategy Meeting: LAB and KDA members met on May 26 to finalize their approach and strengthen their case.
- Denied Requests: The delegation had requested a two-day meeting and the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, but both requests were denied.
Voices from the Delegation: Hope & Determination
Chering Dorje Lakrook (LAB Member):
- “It has been a long journey for the people of Ladakh. We are hoping to resume the dialogue from where it left off and reach an agreement, particularly on the issue of employment.” Sajjad Kargili (KDA Member):
- “We have been struggling over our four key issues for years, but nothing has changed on the ground yet. This time, we are determined to reach a practical solution.”
The Political & Historical Context
Ladakh’s Status Post-2019:
- Following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, Ladakh was bifurcated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a Union Territory without a legislature. Formation of the High-Powered Committee (HPC):
- In January 2023, the MHA constituted the HPC to ensure protection of land and employment for Ladakh residents. Previous Meetings & Delays:
- The last HPC meeting was held on January 15, 2025, but no major resolutions were reached.
The Road Ahead: Will This Meeting Deliver Results?
- Government’s Response: Will the Centre finally address Ladakh’s demands, or will discussions continue without resolution?
- Employment & Economic Security: Can the delegation secure job guarantees and PSC autonomy for Ladakh’s youth?
- Statehood & Sixth Schedule: Will the constitutional safeguards be granted, or will Ladakh remain a Union Territory indefinitely?
The May 27 meeting is a critical moment for Ladakh’s future. The LAB and KDA delegation is determined to push for concrete outcomes, but whether the government will act remains uncertain.
