Statehood Demand Dominates First Post- Violence Dialogue
New Delhi:The Union Home Ministry’s High Powered Committee (HPC) today held its first formal dialogue with leaders of Ladakh’s key political and social bodies in New Delhi, focusing on various contentious issues, including the long-standing demand for statehood. This crucial meeting marks the resumption of high-level talks following the violence that rocked the Union Territory last month.
A structured dialogue mechanism has been formally established with the region’s two principal amalgamations: the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), facilitated through the Home Ministry’s HPC on Ladakh.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sajjad Hussain Kargili, a prominent Member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, underscored the core demand of the region.
“Our demand for the past six years has been democracy in Ladakh, and a solution for this is statehood,” Kargili stated. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, adding, “This issue cannot be resolved in one or two meetings, and the process is ongoing.”
The dialogue is seen as a significant step by the Centre to address the political aspirations of the region and build trust after the recent unrest. The Ladakh delegation is expected to continue pressing for their major demands, which include full statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
