New Delhi: Leaders from Ladakh on Saturday announced a major breakthrough in their long standing demand for constitutional safeguards and political representation after fresh discussions with the Centre. Representatives of the Ladakh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance said an understanding had been reached with the Union government to provide constitutional protections for Ladakh along with a legislative framework for the Union Territory.
The announcement followed a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, where both sides reportedly held detailed discussions on Ladakh’s future political and administrative structure. According to the leaders, the proposed framework would grant protections similar to Articles 371A, 371F and 371G, which currently provide special safeguards to states such as Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.
The plan is expected to introduce a Union Territory level legislature with legislative, executive and financial powers vested in elected representatives. Leaders stated that the proposed governing structure would be headed by a chief minister, while bureaucrats, including the chief secretary, would function under the authority of the elected body.
The development marks a significant moment in Ladakh’s political journey since the region was carved out as a separate Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. While the move was initially welcomed by many in Leh, demands for stronger constitutional safeguards and statehood soon intensified across the region.
The Centre reportedly informed the delegations that immediate full statehood may not be feasible due to Ladakh’s current revenue limitations and financial dependence on central support. However, officials indicated that the proposed arrangement could eventually pave the way for full statehood in the future once revenue conditions improve.
For the past several years, the two regional bodies have led protests seeking Sixth Schedule protections, greater political representation, local recruitment safeguards and statehood for Ladakh. The issue gained further attention after protests in 2025 turned violent, resulting in deaths, injuries and clashes with security forces across parts of the Union Territory.
