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Thupstan Chhewang, former MP from Ladakh, on Thursday described the meeting of the Ladakh Sub Committee and the MHA as positive, cordial and constructive, stating that the discussions were held in a conducive atmosphere and reflected a willingness on the part of the Government to engage with the representatives of Ladakh on the regions major concerns and long-pending demands.
Speaking with the media in New Delhi, he stated that the governments approach during the deliberations was encouraging and demonstrated its intent to find a mutually acceptable and sustainable way forward on the issues concerning Ladakh. The leaders appreciated the fact that the major demands raised by the Ladakh representatives were given due consideration and that the discussions remained focused on addressing the aspirations and interests of the people of the Union Territory. Particular emphasis was laid on the assurances conveyed by the Government regarding the establishment of a Legislative Body at the UT level and the provision of appropriate constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under Article 371/K. They stated that such safeguards would be important for ensuring protection of Ladakhs land and employment opportunities, while safeguarding its unique cultural identity, traditions and ecological environment, according to Chhewang. He further indicated that the outcome of the meeting should be viewed as a positive development in the ongoing dialogue between Ladakhs representatives and the Government. The leaders expressed optimism that the constructive engagement and assurances given during the meeting would pave the way for further discussions and concrete measures towards fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the people of Ladakh. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary of Ladakh Ashish Kundra said on Thursday that the government is moving towards establishing robust constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including the potential constitution of a directly elected Union Territory-level body with legislative and financial powers. "A meeting of the sub-committee was held yesterday at the Ministry of Home Affairs, attended by the leadership of the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance from Ladakh. Building upon the progress made in the previous meeting, discussions focused on establishing constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, specifically, incorporating a special provision under Article 371 to protect the interests of the local population," Kundra told ANI. We are moving towards a decision to constitute a Union Territory-level body, elected directly through constituencies, that would be vested with legislative and financial powers. The next meeting is scheduled for October, and we hope that an advanced draft of the Constitutional Amendment Bill will be ready by then," he added. (ANI)
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