Ladakh: Towards People’s Rule

The Centre and representatives of the Apex Body of Ladakh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have reached an "in-principle" agreement on restoring democracy in Ladakh, providing constitutional safeguards under provisions similar to Article 371 A, F, and G. These provisions are applicable in states like Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram. The agreement includes granting legislative, executive, and financial powers to elected representatives through a UT-level Assembly, with the elected head having direct administrative control over the entire UT bureaucracy. The agreement also safeguards land, environment, culture, and jobs under Article 371. While both parties expressed optimism about this step forward, they emphasized that further discussions are needed before finalizing the proposal.