The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to receive a series of new measures aimed at safeguarding its land, culture, and employment opportunities.
These measures include the empowerment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils, the creation of four new districts, and improvements in regional connectivity.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing these proposals and is likely to approve them soon.
Contrary to earlier demands, the Ministry has almost ruled out granting Sixth Schedule status and statehood to Ladakh.
Officials argue that the enhanced powers given to the Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils will address most of the requested safeguards.
The demand for statehood has been dismissed because the creation of the Union Territory was a long-standing request primarily from the Leh district, which was fulfilled on 5 August 2019.
This was when the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Furthermore, the Ministry is likely to approve the creation of four additional districts within the Union Territory, including Nubra and Zanskar.
Other imminent actions include raising a new battalion under Ladakh Scouts and adding the Boti language to the 8th Schedule.
"Wildlife sanctuary-related issues in Ladakh will also be addressed," sources added.
Meanwhile, a delegation from Ladakh's BJP unit met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss various demands.
The delegation, led by UT president Phunchok Stanzin, included CEC-cum-Chairman of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh Tashi Gyalson, former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Zanskar BJP district president Stanzin Lakpa, Nubra BJP district president Stanzin Delik, and Kargil BJP district president Mohammad Ali Chandan.
At the same time, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would begin a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the Government does not talk with Ladakh authorities regarding statehood and constitutional protection for the Union Territory.
Wangchuk stated that the Apex Body, Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had submitted a memorandum of demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Drass for the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
He threatened to start another 28-day fast on 15 August, coinciding with the country's 78th Independence Day celebrations.
It is important to note that the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance had previously held several rounds of talks with Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai during the Modi 2.0.
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