Ladakhi leaders suggested the possibility of restarting discussions after the winter session of Parliament, noting that the statehood demand might not take a central role in upcoming talks.
SRINAGAR
The Union Government engaged in discussions on Tuesday with Ladakhi leadership concerning the statehood demand, job security, land issues, and identity. Nonetheless, certain Ladakhi leaders indicated the likelihood of resuming talk’s post the winter session of parliament, with the caveat that the statehood demand might not feature prominently in future discussions.
“It seemed from the recent talks that the Union Government may not concede to statehood demand for the Union Territory of Ladakh” said one of the leaders from Kargil Democratic Alliance to this reporter.
On Tuesday after a gap of about six months, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nitayan Rai held talks with the united leadership of Ladakh including leaders of Apex Body of Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance. The united leadership of Ladakh demanded the implementation of a four point agenda which include statehood for Ladakh, two Lok Sabha seats each for Leh and Kargil, safeguards for culture identity and jobs under sixth schedule of constitution along with employment opportunities for the youth. The leaders from Ladakh after the meeting said that the talks will continue and the central government will have to address concerns of the common people of Ladakh. The Union Home Minister has assured the united leadership of Ladakh that they will hold another round of discussions to address the demands but did not assured them about any further discussions on the statehood demand.
Sajad Kargili who is a prominent face of Kargil Democratic Alliance told media that they have put forth their four demands and will not like to get any negative response regarding the aspirations of common people in the Ladakh region.
The statehood demand did not get any mention when the Union Government released a statement after the meeting with the united leadership of Ladakh.
The official handout said, “The ABL and KDA members submitted various issues pertaining to protection of rights of Ladakh residents, fast track recruitment processes, strengthening of LAHDCs, Greater participation in the decision making etc”.
The statement further said, “Government would continue to engage with the ABL and KDA and people of Ladakh for holistic and sustainable development of the UT of Ladakh on a regular basis”. While the people of Ladakh are closely watching the fate of talks being held between the united leadership of Ladakh and the Union Government, it seems that there would be no immediate breakthrough in the talks.