‘Leaders tell Centre statehood not feasible for Ladakh’
Yash Khajuria
Leh/New Delhi, Jan 21: In a major political development amid the ongoing debate over Ladakh’s future, a multi-party delegation, largely representing the Zanskar region of the Union Territory, on Wednesday met Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in New Delhi and firmly rejected the demand for statehood. The delegation termed it non-feasible due to administrative and geographical constraints, while pressing for region-specific governance mechanisms suited to Ladakh’s unique conditions.
The delegation comprised elected councillors from both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, representatives of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, and senior socio-religious leaders. Former LAHDC Leh Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Advocate Tashi Gyalson was also present during the discussions.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the delegation argued that statehood, though widely projected as a solution, could complicate governance in Ladakh—a sparsely populated cold desert region marked by difficult terrain, limited resources, and a sensitive strategic location along international borders. Instead, members pressed for region-specific administrative arrangements that would strengthen local decision-making without altering the Union Territory status.
“Ladakh needs practical and localized solutions, not sweeping structural changes,” a delegation member said on condition of anonymity, pointing out that a conventional state model may not suit the region’s social and geographical realities.
The position taken by the delegation stands in contrast to long-running demands raised by groups such as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which have been seeking statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and other safeguards. These demands have triggered repeated agitations across Ladakh, particularly during 2024 and 2025, at times resulting in protests, clashes with authorities, and the detention of activists, including Sonam Wangchuk.
The meeting assumes added importance in view of the next sitting of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh issues, scheduled for February 4, 2026, and to be chaired by Rai. The HPC was constituted to address concerns relating to constitutional protection, employment, land safeguards, and development, but has witnessed months of stalemate following unrest last year. Wednesday’s interaction, however, brought to the fore visible political differences within Ladakh on the question of statehood.
Sources said the delegation clearly conveyed during the talks that the demand for statehood was rejected in totality, with members describing it as impractical given Ladakh’s administrative and financial capacity.
During the same meeting, a high-level delegation from the Zanskar region also placed a focused set of demands before the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. The Zanskar delegation, comprising councillors and an executive councillor of LAHDC Kargil, was led by Tsering Dorjay, Chairman of the AZCC and President of the Zanskar Buddhist Association.
Other members included former Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Gyan Chosphel Zotpa, representatives of the All Zanskar Gonpa Association, Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil Phunchok Tashi, councillors Stanzin Lakpa and Stanzin Jigmet, and nominated councillor Namgyal Phunchok.
In a formal memorandum submitted during the meeting, the Zanskar delegation reiterated its opposition to the statehood demand for Ladakh and highlighted region-specific concerns related to internal autonomy and institutional safeguards.
A key demand raised was the early notification and full operationalisation of Zanskar as a separate district. While acknowledging the “in-principle” approval granted by the Government of India, the delegation urged the Centre to expedite the formal notification, appoint key officers, and establish the required administrative infrastructure.
The delegation also renewed the long-pending demand for a separate and independent Autonomous Hill Development Council for Zanskar, citing its distinct cultural, religious, and geographical identity. Members argued that Zanskar has, for decades, felt sidelined under what they described as a Kargil-centric administrative structure.
Officials present at the meeting assured the delegation that the Centre remains committed to addressing the developmental needs and aspirations of the people of Zanskar. Former CEC Leh Advocate Gyalson, who has earlier discussed Ladakh-related matters with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, said the Centre is aware of the region’s sensitivities and is continuing consultations with various stakeholders.
As Ladakh heads into another round of talks with the Centre, Wednesday’s developments underline a clear divide in political opinion, with sections of the leadership calling for tailored administrative solutions over the push for statehood.
The development could influence upcoming discussions, particularly as voices from Jammu and Kashmir, including National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, have called for Ladakh’s potential reunion with Jammu and Kashmir to restore the pre-2019 arrangement. However, the delegation’s position aligns with arguments for maintaining Ladakh’s Union Territory status with strengthened administrative powers, with emphasis on land rights, employment, and environmental protection.
