LAB Gets MHA Call To Submit Revised Proposal On Ladakh Dialogue

SRINAGAR: After the widespread protests by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), for the Sixth Schedule like status to the UT of Ladakh and fulfillment of other long pending demands, the Union Home Ministry has sought for a revised proposal from the two bodies thus initiating a fresh dialogue.

As per media reports the development came after a 30-member delegation from LAB initially met the Lieutenant Governor B D Mishra in Leh and briefed him about the issues including four-point agenda of LAB and KDA which included Statehood for Ladakh, Constitutional safeguards under Sixth Schedule status, two Parliamentary seats for the UT (one each for Leh and Kargil) and employment opportunities for the local youth.

The two bodies have also been demanding inclusion of some of its members in the High Power Committee (HPC).

LG Mishra, as per media reports briefed the MHA in Delhi about the four point agenda of the two bodies and within 24 hours of the meeting the major breakthrough from the MHA came.

Media reports said that a high level meeting in this regard is expected to take place in the next week of April. Home Ministry might revise HPC and issue fresh agenda and incorporate names given by LAB and KDA among others to initiate stalled dialogue with the two bodies.

Pertinently,after reading down of article 370, the Leh Apex body was formed with the support of all religious, political, and social organisations. Then on the first anniversary of Article 370 abrogation Kargil decided to observe it as a black day. Subsequently after proper deliberations, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) was formed.

In August 2020, the Leh LAB and KDA held a meeting at the Grand Dragon hotel Leh and came up with agreement on the four-point common agenda.

Meanwhile, LAB has called meeting with KDA leaders shortly to draft the proposal before submission to the Union Home Ministry, media reports said.