Leh, Mar 21: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has indicated its readiness to proceed with the formal operationalisation of newly announced districts in Ladakh and to review reductions in budgetary allocations, while urging regional stakeholders to adopt a more flexible approach during negotiations.
During a high-level meeting in the national capital, a delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil—led by Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Member of Parliament Mohammad Haneefa Jan—was informed that the Centre remains open to examining a range of demands raised by Ladakh’s representatives. These include administrative restructuring, financial support, and development concerns.
Officials conveyed that the Ministry is willing to engage on all issues raised from time to time, but expects the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which are leading the ongoing agitation, to reconsider their firm position on the demands for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
The Centre’s position reflects a calibrated approach. While it has not formally rejected the demands, it has expressed reservations regarding Statehood. Instead, it has indicated that alternative safeguards could be explored through the High Powered Committee (HPC), provided there is agreement between both sides.
The Union Government maintains that the creation of the Union Territory in August 2019 addressed a long-standing aspiration of the region. Further administrative measures, including the announcement of five additional districts in August 2024, were presented as steps towards decentralisation and improved governance. At present, Ladakh comprises two districts—Leh and Kargil—while the newly announced districts, including Sham Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass, are yet to be operationalised.
Sources indicated that although certain reductions were made in the 2026–27 budget allocations, there is a possibility of their restoration as part of an ongoing review.
Despite these developments, there has been little progress towards consensus. The LAB and KDA have reiterated their commitment to the demands for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, citing a detailed memorandum submitted to the Ministry in November last year. Both bodies maintain that these constitutional provisions are necessary to safeguard the region’s identity, land, and employment.
The lack of progress was evident during the last meeting of the High Powered Committee held on February 4, which ended without any breakthrough on the core issues.
Meanwhile, the Kargil delegation also raised concerns regarding connectivity. In a memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the representatives called for the operationalisation of civil flights from Kargil. They stressed the need to extend the existing runway and develop a full-fledged civil airport to ensure year-round access, particularly during winter months when surface routes remain closed.
The situation reflects a continuing stalemate, with both sides maintaining their positions even as administrative decisions await implementation. The next round of dialogue, whenever scheduled, is expected to determine whether a mutually acceptable framework can be achieved between the Centre and Ladakh’s representative bodies.
