"Ladakh groups and Centre set to reignite dialogue in upcoming month after talks stall"

Centre Aounces Resumption of Talks with Ladakh, Amidst Demand for Sixth Schedule Inclusion

The dialogue between the Centre and Ladakh is set to resume next month as discussions have remained stalled over the demand for Ladakh's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena aounced on Sunday that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue on May 22. Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting Leh on April 30 for a two-day trip.

Detailing the schedule for Shah’s visit, the L-G mentioned that on May 1, the Home Minister would pay his respects to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. He will also share his thoughts on the “spiritual significance of the sacred exposition being held in Ladakh from 1-14 May”. The visit is seen as a demonstration of the Centre's commitment towards the development of Ladakh.

The sub-committee is part of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, aimed at addressing concerns of the Ladakhi people. Since becoming a Union Territory without a legislature, the people of Ladakh have been advocating for greater political representation, leading to repeated agitations in the region by socio-political representative bodies like the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

While the HPC has made significant strides in safeguarding the rights of the Ladakhi people, talks have hit roadblocks over Ladakh's demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The committee has introduced measures such as a 15-year prospective domicile clause and a 95% job quota for Ladakhis in government positions.

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