The stalemate over talks with Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) appears to be over, as a day after Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena asserted that dialogue can resolve any issue and he was always available to support the process, the KDA on Wednesday called for the immediate resumption of talks, asserting that it remains open to any fresh proposal from the Centre, excluding council-based arrangements.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), along with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), is jointly spearheading an agitation for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, following its separation from Jammu and Kashmir and the grant of Union Territory status in 2019.
The two groups have been engaged in talks with the Centre since 2021. “If the government of India brings any new proposal–other than territorial, regional or any council-based framework–we are ready to discuss it with an open mind and open heart,” KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said.
Flanked by senior leaders, including Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan and Sajjad Kargili, Karbalai said the KDA has conveyed to the Centre that its core demands of statehood and Sixth Schedule are non-negotiable, and represent the constitutional rights and aspirations of the people.
At the same time, the leadership underscores its willingness to engage constructively. “No further action has been taken after the last meeting on February 4. The government of India, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), had promised that the next meeting would be convened within 10-15 days, where Ladakhis’ aspirations and demands would be considered seriously and sincerely. However, that day has not come yet,” Karbalai said.
“We have been engaging in talks with the MHA in good faith since 2021, and we continue to do so,” he added. Referring to their recent meeting with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Karbalai said they made it clear that if the government is serious and sincere, and truly intends to consider the aspirations of the people of Ladakh, it should immediately initiate the dialogue process.
“The MHA repeatedly urges us to refrain from shutdowns, protests, marches and hunger strikes, assuring us that a dialogue will take place. This puts us in a difficult position, as we too do not wish to disrupt normal life. “However, when no action follows these assurances, we are left with no option but to call for protests and take to the streets,” he said. Rejecting any speculation about internal divisions, the leaders asserted that both the KDA and the LAB remain united and speak in one voice on all key issues.
“We have unanimously rejected any council-based proposal–whether territorial, regional, or by any other name. This position was clearly communicated to the L-G as well,” Karbalai said. Reaffirming their resolve, he said the leadership would not yield to pressure or inducements.
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