2 days ago
Ladakh Leaders Withdraw Protests as Centre Advances Constitutional Talks
Ladakhi leaders had planned large protests about the region's future protections and government.
They have now cancelled the long marches because talks with the Central Government are making progress.
They also cited cold weather as a reason.
Instead, Leh will hold a symbolic march and Kargil will hold a rally on September 23.
Another meeting is planned in Kargil in the first week of October.
The government says Ladakh could receive special protections under Article 371.
Ladakh could also get an elected body to help govern the region.
However, it would not have a legislature like some other Union Territories or states.
The proposed arrangement is being described as a unique model designed specifically for Ladakh.
Ladakh groups withdrew planned protests marking the first anniversary of last year's deaths.
A symbolic 20-kilometre march in Leh and a rally in Kargil are planned for September 23.
The next round of talks between Ladakhi leaders and the Centre is scheduled for the first week of October in Kargil.
The proposed framework would provide Ladakh constitutional safeguards under Article 371 and an elected governing body.
Officials said the model would give Ladakh an elected body without making it a Union Territory with a legislature.
- Who
- Ladakhi political groups, including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, and the Central Government.
- What
- Planned protests were withdrawn as talks advanced on constitutional safeguards and a unique governance model for Ladakh.
- Where
- The symbolic march will take place in Leh, the rally in Kargil, and the next talks in Kargil.
- When
- A symbolic march and rally are planned for September 23; the next talks are scheduled for the first week of October.
- Why
- Leaders cited progress in talks and cold weather as reasons for replacing long marches with smaller events.
Key facts
- Proposed safeguard
- Constitutional protections under Article 371.
- Proposed governing body
- An elected body for Ladakh.
- Governance model
- A sui generis model that would not make Ladakh a Union Territory with a legislature.
- September 23 events
- A symbolic 20-kilometre march in Leh and a rally in Kargil.
- Next talks
- The first week of October in Kargil.
- Government process
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has started work on constitutional safeguards and an elected body.
Quotes
Sonam Wangchuk
Climate activist and member of the Leh Apex Body
“The process of talks with the centre is underway. The central government is holding the next round of talks in the first week of October in Kargil. So instead of going ahead with a long march, we have decided to hold a rally on September 23,”
NDTV
“Due to prevailing weather conditions with cold nights, we're making it into a symbolic 20 Km march on 23rd September. followed by martyrs day event on 24th. Inconvenience regretted, look forward to joining you and marching together,”
NDTV
Sources
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