JAMMU, Sept 17: The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is campaigning for Sixth Schedule safeguards and statehood for Ladakh, has decided to exclude political party leaders from its negotiating delegation. The move follows internal concerns about politicisation that, members say, hampered past talks with the Centre.
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Thupstan Chhewang to Lead Talks
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook told the Excelsior that Thupstan Chhewang — who had resigned after the last round of talks in May — has agreed to return as head of the body and will lead negotiations with the Ministry of Home Affairs whenever meetings resume. The last MHA-led talks with LAB and KDA, chaired by Union MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai, took place on May 27 in New Delhi and settled issues of domicile and reservations.
No Invitation Yet; Agitation May Intensify
Lakrook said the group has not received a fresh invitation from the MHA and warned that, in the absence of engagement, LAB may escalate its agitation. Chhewang had earlier resigned citing “partisan, individual agendas and competing interests” that were obstructing consensus within the body.
Concerns Over Politicisation
Internal critics — notably youth leaders within LAB — had raised alarms about political interference, saying some leaders used the platform for narrow gains. With LAHDC (Leh) elections approaching amid proposals for five new districts and reserving 33% seats for women, LAB members felt the need to depoliticise the delegation to ensure focused negotiations.
Reactions & Wider Context
The local Congress unit accepted LAB’s decision and said it would stay away from talks if that reflected public sentiment. Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, included earlier in the High Powered Committee, began a hunger strike on Sept 10 with some locals and retired soldiers — a protest that has so far not prompted a government response. Wangchuk’s earlier land allotment to HIAL (over 1,000 kanals) was cancelled by the UT administration on account of irregularities, adding to local tensions.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) passed a unanimous resolution on Sept 13 backing the separation of political parties from LAB and urging Chhewang’s return “at all costs,” respecting his conditions and sentiments.
Dialogue With Centre Remains Key
LAB and KDA have been in dialogue with the MHA for nearly four years over demands including Sixth Schedule protections and statehood. Both bodies now hope that the reconstituted, depoliticised delegation will revive substantive talks with the Centre.
Source: Daily Excelsior
Labels: Ladakh, LAB, Politics
Tags: #LehApexBody #ThupstanChhewang #Ladakh #SixthSchedule #KDA
Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.
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