SRINAGAR: The Centre has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue with Ladakhi representatives after negotiations over constitutional safeguards and the proposed political structure for the Union Territory encountered a roadblock.
The disagreement intensified after representatives of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Front rejected a draft proposal presented by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The leaders accused the Centre of backtracking on understandings reached during earlier rounds of negotiations.
The main point of contention is the proposed elected body for Ladakh and the extent of its powers. Ladakhi representatives have sought safeguards similar to those previously available under Article 370, arguing that parliamentary laws on certain subjects should not automatically apply to the region without the consent of the proposed elected body.
Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the demand raised questions about the extent of constitutional protection being sought. He maintained that Article 370 had already been abrogated and argued that its provisions could not simply be reintroduced through a new arrangement.
The demand for protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution has also remained a major issue. Kundra said the provision had a distinct historical and geographical context, particularly in parts of the Northeast, and that its applicability to Ladakh required careful consideration.
Following Thursday’s meeting, the Home Ministry shared a 32 page draft outlining a proposed administrative and political framework, including constitutional safeguards. However, the proposal failed to secure the acceptance of Ladakhi leaders.
Kundra said the government did not intend to impose a framework unilaterally. He stressed that any constitutional amendments and democratic arrangements would have to emerge through discussions and broad agreement with Ladakh’s leadership.
The Centre has indicated its willingness to consider constitutional safeguards under Article 371. It is also exploring a distinctive arrangement under which Ladakh would have an elected body without becoming a Union Territory with a legislature or a state with a legislature.
Ladakhi representatives have continued to press for statehood and stronger constitutional protections, including safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
The Centre has urged the leadership to study the draft, consult their constituencies and return for further discussions. Despite the latest setback, the government has signalled that negotiations will continue in an effort to reach an arrangement acceptable to the people of Ladakh.
