LAB Defers Submission of Draft on Ladakh UT-Level Elected Body; Awaits MHA Proposal Before Next Round of Talks
Leh Apex Body Says Its Draft is Ready but Will Respond After Union Home Ministry Unveils Official Framework; Pushes for Full Legislative, Financial, Executive and Administrative Powers
Leh, July 28:(KNC)The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has decided to defer the submission of its draft proposal on the proposed Union Territory-level elected body for Ladakh, choosing instead to wait for the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to present its official framework before placing its own recommendations on the table.
Highly placed sources said the LAB has completed its draft document, prepared with the assistance of a senior Supreme Court advocate, but has consciously decided not to submit it ahead of the Centre’s proposal. The organisation believes it is appropriate to first examine the Union Government’s official draft before responding with its own detailed recommendations.
A senior LAB leader confirmed that while the proposal is ready, the organisation will only submit it if necessary after reviewing the MHA’s document. “We have decided to wait for the Home Ministry’s paper. Once it is shared, we will study it carefully and, if required, submit our proposal on the structure and powers of the UT-level elected body,” the leader said.
The development follows the July 3 meeting in Leh between senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). During the meeting, the MHA reportedly gave broad indications regarding the proposed elected body, prompting renewed optimism over the ongoing dialogue.
Sources said the Union Home Ministry is simultaneously preparing its own draft not only for the proposed UT-level elected body but also for the seven new Autonomous Hill Development Councils announced for different districts of Ladakh.
However, the LAB has reiterated that its principal demand remains a powerful UT-level elected institution vested with legislative, financial, executive and administrative authority. The organisation has maintained that strengthening Hill Development Councils alone cannot substitute for a democratically empowered UT-level body and cautioned that excessive devolution of powers to district councils should not dilute the authority of the proposed elected institution.
The LAB and KDA are now seeking an early meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs to finalise the structure, powers and constitutional framework of the proposed body. Both organisations had earlier signed the minutes of the May 22 meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, after differences over the wording of the document were resolved.
Initially, the two Ladakh bodies had declined to endorse the minutes, contending that the draft failed to mention an important understanding reached during discussions—that the bureaucracy in Ladakh would function under and report to the proposed elected UT-level body. The issue was later resolved during the July 3 meeting in Leh, following the inclusion of the agreed provision in the final minutes.
The May 22 dialogue marked a significant breakthrough, with the Centre and Ladakh representatives reaching an in-principle agreement on establishing a UT-level elected body with legislative, financial and executive powers, alongside the creation of seven District Autonomous Councils.
During the same meeting, the Government of India and the representatives of LAB and KDA also arrived at an in-principle understanding on extending constitutional safeguards to Ladakh on the lines of Article 371A, 371F and 371G, aimed at protecting the region’s unique cultural identity, land rights and governance framework.
Sources indicated that the next round of talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ladakh representatives is expected shortly. However, the meeting may witness a brief delay due to the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament and the continued absence of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, a member of the Leh Apex Body, who is recovering after an extended hunger strike in New Delhi in support of students’ and youth-related issues.(KNC)
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