Centre's Ladakh draft body rejected after stalled Oct 15 talks

The Union Home Ministry's draft for a new Union Territory‑level elected body in Ladakh failed to win acceptance from local leaders after a stalled meeting on Oct 15 in Leh. The 32‑page proposal, put forward under Article 371(K), ruled out a full legislature like Jammu and Kashmir and suggested several possible names, including “Union Territory‑level Frontier Agency.” Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the talks were “somewhat stuck on the question of the name.” Leh and Kargil representatives, speaking through Kargil Democratic Alliance co‑chairman Sajad Hussain and Apex Body Leh chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, called the draft “unsatisfactory and unacceptable,” citing gaps in structure, powers and constitutional safeguards. They rejected the draft on Oct 16, accusing the Centre of offering a “worthless” document within two hours. Lakrook said the Centre had back‑tracked on May promises and ignored seven points raised by the Apex Body and KDA, including their suggestion to call the body the Assembly of Ladakh. The leaders also warned that safeguards under Article 240 can be changed by the President, giving all power to the Lieutenant Governor, while Article 371K would only protect land, resources and culture. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, part of the Ladakh delegation, said the people were “saddened, surprised and angry” at the renewed deadlock. The next round of talks is set for Oct 22 in Delhi.

Context

The proposal seeks a unique governance model for Ladakh, distinct from a full state or a typical Union Territory, using special constitutional articles to try to balance local demands for autonomy with central control.