JNM Correspondent Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Amidst the ongoing dialogue between the Central Government and various organizations in Ladakh regarding key regional issues, a significant development has emerged. Renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has been inducted into the sub-committee currently engaged in negotiations with the Central Government. He will now serve as a representative on behalf of the Leh Apex Body.
According to reports, Sonam Wangchuk has been included in this committee, replacing former Member of Parliament Thupstan Chhewang. The Leh Apex Body has finalized the names of its three representatives for the sub-committee meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs, scheduled to be held in Delhi on May 22. These representatives include Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay, Sonam Wangchuk (who was recently released from jail), and Dorjay Stanzin, President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association.
It is reported that this delegation will depart from Leh for Delhi on Thursday, where a crucial meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Friday. Prior to this meeting, leaders from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance will hold mutual consultations to formulate a joint strategy.
Meanwhile, changes have also been observed within the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Following the demise of the organization’s President, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Ghulam Rasool has been inducted into the sub-committee to take his place. He will participate in the meeting alongside Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili.
Chering Dorjay, Co-Chairman of the Leh Apex Body, stated that upon reaching Delhi, leaders from both organizations would formulate a shared strategy to strongly articulate Ladakh’s core issues before the Central Government. He clarified that the organizations remain completely united on key issues such as the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, demand for full statehood, employment security, and the rights of local inhabitants.
However, amidst this entire process, internal rifts within the Leh Apex Body itself have also begun to surface openly. Thupstan Chhewang had previously represented the organization in meetings with the Ministry of Home Affairs; however, his subsequent exclusion has led to growing discontent within the organization.
According to sources, some members believe that the sub-committee meetings are failing to facilitate substantive discussions on key issues and have been reduced to mere formalities. The Leh Apex Body had previously proposed that a meeting of the High-Powered Committee be convened directly, bypassing the sub-committee; however, the Central Government did not accept this proposal.
Notably, indications emerged during a meeting held in Leh on May 1st suggesting that the Central Government does not currently appear inclined to accede to Ladakh’s key demands. Consequently, all eyes are now fixed on the upcoming meeting scheduled to take place in Delhi. It is anticipated that this meeting will clarify the direction in which the Central Government intends to proceed regarding Ladakh’s political and constitutional issues.
