LAB, KDA Reject Proposal to Empower Hill Councils as Alternative to Statehood | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The dialogue between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh’s two apex political bodies, the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, has once again reached an impasse with both sides holding firm to their respective positions on Statehood and Sixth Schedule status.

Sources familiar with the February 4 meeting of the High Powered Committee in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, said the Centre proposed strengthening the existing Hill Councils by granting them enhanced administrative and financial powers as an alternative to Statehood. However, the LAB and KDA reportedly declined to consider the proposal.

Leh Apex Body co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk reiterated that their core demands remain Statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, asserting that empowering the Hill Councils does not address their primary concerns. Leaders of both bodies clarified that their demands were not formally rejected during the meeting, dismissing reports suggesting an outright refusal by the Centre.

The Ministry is said to have indicated willingness to vest Council chairpersons and vice chairpersons with powers and rank comparable to Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, along with expanded financial authority. Nonetheless, the proposal has not found favour with the twin bodies.

Ladakh currently has two Autonomous Hill Development Councils in Leh and Kargil. The Leh Council ceased functioning in October 2025 after completion of its term, with elections deferred following the announcement of five new districts in August 2024. The Centre has also explored extending council structures to all seven districts once formally constituted.

The LAB and KDA are awaiting the next round of talks, reportedly promised within weeks of the February 4 meeting. However, no official communication has been received so far. [KNT]