Ladakh authorities promise new constitutional framework under Article 371 for autonomy talks

Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have been negotiating with MHA over Ladakh’s autonomy since 2023.

Srinagar: Two days ahead of the first anniversary of four deaths in alleged police firing on protesters in Leh demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood on Sept 24 last year, Ladakh authorities promised Tuesday a new framework under Article 371 to provide constitutional safeguards suited to the Union territory’s (UT) specific requirements. In an interaction with prominent community members in Leh, chief secretary Ashish Kundra signalled broad agreement on the need for such safeguards. “The protection should cover our land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources,” he said. According to Kundra, the new framework being worked out “considering the aspirations of Ladakhis does not exist anywhere else in the country”. The draft will be discussed at the next meeting with Ladakh groups in the first week of Oct. The last such meeting with the Centre was held in Delhi on Sept 9. Kundra listed direct elections to a proposed UT-level body as a key suggestion emerging from the discussions. “Further steps, including consideration of the proposed constitutional amendment by Parliament, would follow after consensus is reached on the framework,” he said. Kundra explained that a separate legislation would be required for powers, functions and institutional arrangements of the proposed body. Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), two main organisations negotiating with the Union home ministry (MHA) on the region’s autonomy, have been in such talks since 2023. The process stopped after four people were killed and over 80 injured in the firing last year. LAB member and activist Sonam Wangchuk was accused of inciting the protesters, arrested, charged under NSA and kept in Jodhpur jail.

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The Centre revoked his NSA detention in March this year. After his release, Wangchuk has pressed for talks. He attended the Sept 9 meeting. At Tuesday’s interaction, chief secretary Kundra highlighted also recent initiatives like strengthening district-level administrative structures and progress towards panchayat elections. He flagged a surge in tourist arrivals, saying four lakh visitors came to Ladakh this year, up from 3.35 lakh in all of 2025. Ladakh DGP Anand Jain made a presentation on drug-related issues and sought civil society’s support in spreading awareness.

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