Leh: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)-led sub-committee meeting with representatives of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) will be held as scheduled on May 22 in New Delhi, despite recent speculation over a possible deferment.
Confirming the development to Indus Dispatch, Chief Secretary of Ladakh Ashish Kundra said the meeting “is still on 22nd,” indicating that the Centre’s dialogue process with Ladakh’s representative bodies remains on track.
The clarification comes amid uncertainty following the resignation of senior leader and former Member of Parliament Thupstan Chhewang from the Leh Apex Body and the controversy linked to the Ashraf Baracha issue, which had triggered speculation in political circles that the proposed talks might be postponed.
However, official confirmation from the administration has now cleared the uncertainty surrounding the scheduled engagement.
The May 22 meeting is expected to be another significant round of discussions between the Centre and Ladakh’s civil society-based representative bodies, which have been consistently pressing for constitutional safeguards and greater political protections for the Union Territory.
The KDA and LAB have jointly been advocating four key demands — statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a separate Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and allocation of two parliamentary seats for the region.
Sources said verbal invitations for the upcoming talks have already been communicated to leaders of both KDA and LAB, with representatives from Leh and Kargil expected to participate in the discussions in New Delhi.
The previous round of talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre was held on February 4 under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
The dialogue process has since continued through consultations and follow-up engagements aimed at finding a mutually acceptable framework to address the concerns of the region.
KDA co-chairman Ali Karbalai had earlier confirmed receipt of the invitation from the MHA and reiterated that both KDA and LAB remain committed to dialogue.
Leaders from the two apex bodies have also indicated that they are open to constructive discussions and are willing to consider fresh proposals if the Centre presents ideas beyond the existing governance structure.
