World · India Bureau
Centre committed to addressing Ladakh's regional demands, says official
The Union Home Ministry's proposal for constitutional amendments to establish a directly elected territorial body has faced rejection from civil society groups. The Ladakh Chief Secretary stressed that meaningful dialogue requires mutual trust between all stakeholders.
LSN India ·
The Centre remains committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Ladakh's population, according to the Union Territory's Chief Secretary, amid ongoing discussions over governance structures in the region.
The Home Ministry had proposed a framework involving constitutional amendments followed by regulatory measures to enable the establishment of a directly elected Union Territory-level legislative body. However, this proposal has been rejected by various civil society organizations operating in Ladakh, signaling continued disagreement over the administration's approach.
The Chief Secretary emphasized that any meaningful negotiations on the matter would require a foundation of mutual trust and confidence between the government and local stakeholders. The statement comes as Ladakh continues to seek greater autonomy and representation in administrative decisions affecting the region since its separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
The disagreement reflects broader concerns among Ladakh's residents about their political voice and decision-making authority in territorial governance. Officials have indicated that further consultations may be necessary before any final framework is implemented.