Ahead of the next round of talks with the ministry of home affairs sub-committee on October 15, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Monday warned that people in Ladakh would be compelled to launch an agitation if the Centre failed to present a draft proposal on an elected governance model and constitutional safeguards under Article 371 for the region.
In recent months, the administration has withdrawn cases against several persons booked for violence and announced compensation for the next of kin of those killed and for the injured. He also said the families of four men killed in the firing had refused to accept the ₹ 15 lakh compensation announced by the administration.
He reiterated that the Centre must present its proposal at the meeting, warning that further delay could erode the public’s trust. “Though the administration is withdrawing cases selectively and in phases, it is playing politics, as cases against political activists of Congress and LBA are not being withdrawn.
Following the September 9 meeting this year, the Ladakh administration proposed a new governance arrangement for the strategic Himalayan region that would be neither a state nor a UT with a legislature, but a unique “sui generis” model requiring a constitutional amendment and Parliament’s approval. “Broadly, the MHA has sought to know what the head would be called by name and there are other small questions on the model of governance,” said Lakrook. Though several political activists are on bail, restrictions have been imposed on them, and their cases are not being withdrawn,” said Lakrook.
LAB co-convenor and former minister Chering Dorjay Lakrook said, “We have been informed that the next meeting will take place in Leh at 4 pm on October 15, and this time we are hopeful of getting the draft proposal that would provide some clarity on what would be given to us. If the details are shared, it would be helpful, and we will submit our demands in writing.”
