Members of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have started strategising for their agenda ahead of their proposed meeting with the Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, on December 3.
The six-member delegation has already reached New Delhi, where talks are set to take place with the minister and government-nominated officials.
The agenda includes separate statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a Public Service Commission (PSC), and the creation of two parliamentary seats instead of one.
The resumption of talks followed a sit-in protest in October by acclaimed environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk in the national capital, calling for the resumption of discussions and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule.
Expected to attend the meeting from the Leh Apex Body are Thupstan Chhewang, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, and Nawang Rigzin Jora.
Representatives from the Kargil Democratic Alliance include Qamar Ali Akhoon, Asgar Karbalaie, and Sajjad Kargili. The delegation represents both the Leh and Kargil districts of the Union Territory.
Speaking to media persons, Chering Dorjay Lakruk expressed optimism that the government would address and agree to all four demands.
“The issues are vital for the Ladakhis, represented by LAB and KDA. We aim to resolve all the pending matters and trust our demands and aspirations will be duly acknowledged by the government tomorrow,” he said.
Negotiations between the high-powered committee nominated by the Centre and subsequent discussions with the Union Home Ministry had stalled earlier this year when the Union Government rejected the demands for statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
However, Sonam Wangchuk's fast-unto-death hunger strike prompted the government to resume talks with the leadership.
In a recent announcement, the government created five new districts for Ladakh in an attempt to ease tensions and appease local sentiments by decentralising administrative powers within the Union Territory.
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