Srinagar, May 22: The prolonged standoff between Ladakh and the Union Government over safeguards and the form of elected governance has almost come to an end, with both sides reaching an understanding on key issues on Friday.
Two groups spearheading the agitation in the Union Territory claimed that they have reached an in-principle agreement with the Government of India on providing constitutional safeguards to Ladakh on the lines of Article 371, along with a powerful elected government headed by a Chief Minister, with the entire bureaucracy under his control.
In a joint handout, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) said they have reached an in-principle understanding with the Government of India on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards similar to those under Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G, which apply to Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram respectively.
Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G of the Indian Constitution provide special protections to these states: Article 371A safeguards Nagaland’s customs and land rights, Article 371F secures Sikkim’s laws and representation, and Article 371G protects Mizoram’s traditions and land ownership.
According to the handout, legislative, executive, and financial powers will rest with elected representatives through a Union Territory-level legislative body. “All bureaucrats of the UT, including the Chief Secretary, will come under the executive head of the UT-level elected body proposed to be the Chief Minister,” the handout stated.
The KDA and LAB stated that they look forward to closely working out the finer operational details with the MHA in consultation with legal and constitutional experts.
Both LAB and KDA said MHA authorities explained that the only reason Ladakh cannot be granted statehood at present is its lack of adequate revenue generation to meet revenue expenditures such as employee salaries. “However, this setup will lead Ladakh towards full statehood once it meets the revenue criteria,” the handout further stated.
The handout was issued after a meeting of sub-committee comprising representatives of MHA, LAB and KDA.
During the meeting, both LAB and KDA, as per statement, reiterated the long-standing aspirations of the people of Ladakh regarding the restoration of democracy, constitutional safeguards, and the demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. (KNO)
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