For governance draft, MHA asks Ladakh bodies to answer 7 queries

New Delhi: Representatives of Ladakh bodies engaged in discussions with the Home Ministry on safeguards for the Union Territory have been requested to submit a draft proposal addressing seven key questions. These concerns focus on the division of powers and functions between a proposed Union Territory-level body and the seven district councils. The nine September dialogue saw the Ministry of Home Affairs presenting a three-tier structure consisting of a UT-level body, autonomous district councils, and panchayats.

Key issues revolved around the name and executive body of the UT-level body, with the Ladakh representatives preferring direct elections over indirect elections by the LAHDCs. The district councils would also have direct elections, following the same process as the existing councils in Ladakh and Kargil. The third question asked about the functions of the UT-level body for uniformity, coordinated development, and effective administration.

The representatives were also asked about the functions at the district level and the principles guiding power allocation between the UT-level body and LAHDCs.

Another query pertained to the legislative domain for the UT-level elected body. The Ladakh bodies were instructed to submit their answers to these seven questions by the next round of discussions in October. Despite the progress made on September 9, the Ladakh Administrative Board, KDA, and Sonam Wangchuk expressed disappointment over the lack of further progress a day later.

Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra disagreed with this assessment, stating that the talks were productive. He assured the Ladakh bodies that their demand for withdrawal of cases related to the violent events of September 24, 2025, as well as compensation, would be addressed by the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor. Wangchuk, however, insisted that major decisions on the proposed powers of the UT-level body should not be made until it is in place.