Ladakh breakthrough in offing? Centre offers Article 371(K) but leaves key powers undecided

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently proposed a new constitutional provision under Article 371 for the Union Territory of Ladakh, introducing a new constitutional chapter, Chapter K, during a meeting with MHA officials in Delhi on September 9, 2026. Civil society members, who attended the meeting, expressed disappointment as they were not provided a detailed draft proposal, despite being shown a PowerPoint presentation.

The proposed Chapter K would grant the UT-level body legislative powers over land, culture, language, forest, environment, natural resources, and other subjects reserved for Uttarakhand under Article 240. Article 371, which currently spans chapters A to J, deals with temporary, transitional, and special provisions for certain states.

Ladakh's chief secretary, Ashish Kundra, attended the meeting and highlighted the positive atmosphere surrounding the discussion of a sui generis model of governance under Article 371. Representatives from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance urged the MHA to prevent the Lieutenant Governor from making major decisions until the proposed constitutional safeguards are in place.

They also sought legislation to be passed in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament and compensation for victims of the violence that occurred in Leh city on September 24, 2025.