Negotiations between Ladakh’s civil society leaders and the Centre hit a roadblock on March 4, after a six-member delegation from the Union Territory failed to secure assurances from Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The talks, aimed at addressing key demands including statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, ended without a breakthrough.
Former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang, spearheading the discussions, expressed disappointment after meeting Shah, stating that the Home Minister firmly rejected the possibility of granting statehood or guarantees within the Sixth Schedule. Senior Vice President of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, highlighted Shah’s stance, indicating that the dialogue reached an impasse.
Despite the efforts of Ladakh’s representatives, the meeting yielded no positive outcome, prompting the Ladakh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance to announce plans for further consultations with the region’s populace to chart the next steps.
The backdrop of the discussions revolves around Ladakh’s demand for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, seeking tribal status and greater autonomy. The failure to reach an agreement adds to the mounting tension in the region, compounded by previous shutdowns and protests over perceived disenfranchisement.
The Home Ministry, in a statement, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing constitutional safeguards, underscoring ongoing discussions within the High-Powered Committee on Ladakh. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the uncertainty looms over Ladakh’s future trajectory.
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