No statehood, Ladakh to get unique elected body, says Chief Secretary
At a meeting with LAB and KDA, the Home Ministry discussed the proposed structure of the UT-level body under Article 371 was discussed; Ladakh leaders call the meeting a “waste of time and money”, they say the Ministry and the UT administration are not on the same page
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra announced on September 10, 2026, that Ladakh will not receive statehood or a Union Territory (UT) with a legislature. Instead, it will be granted a unique elected body under the Constitution, with legislative, executive, and financial powers. Kundra emphasized that Ladakh was never a State but part of J&K, later becoming a UT.
The Chief Secretary stated that discussions were held with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to finalize the structure of this unique body, which will be established through direct elections. The LAB and KDA expressed disappointment, as they felt the government was not on the same page regarding the details, nomenclature, and legal aspects of the proposed body.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk warned of resuming protests if assurances were not provided promptly. The members of LAB and KDA sought compensation for the victims of the September 24, 2025, violence and the withdrawal of criminal cases against 80 people. They also demanded constitutional safeguards and a larger role for locals in decisions related to land and infrastructure projects.
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