The Ministry of Home Affairs said that the central government has been actively engaged with the apex body, the Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance, on the demand of Sonam Wangchuk related to the 6th schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It said that a series of meetings were held with them through the formal channel of the High-Powered Committee, as well as the Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders. It added that the process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh’s scheduled tribes from 45 per cent to 84 per cent. It also provides one-third of women’s reservations in the councils and declares Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. The Ministry said that with this process, recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced. It said that the next meeting of the High-Powered Committee has been scheduled on the 6th of next month as well as meetings are also planned today and tomorrow with the leaders from Ladakh. The Ministry added that, however, certain politically motivated individuals who were not happy with the progress made under the High-Powered Committee (HPC) have been trying to sabotage the dialogue process.
The Ministry said that the demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. The Ministry added that the Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards. The Ministry also requested that people not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and on social media.
Meanwhile, restrictions have been imposed in Leh after violent protests on the demand of the Sixth Schedule and Statehood for Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has strongly condemned violent incidents and appealed for peace.
Following the imposition of restrictions after the violent clashes in Leh yesterday, the situation is under Control. No untoward incident occurred during the night. Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Domail Singh Donk, along with SSP Leh, briefed the media about the situation late at night. They all appealed to maintain peace and follow the restriction order under BNSS 2023.
