Kargil Region Opposes Ladakh Territorial Council, Demands Statehood and Sixth Schedule | India News

Kargil Democratic Alliance Rejects Territorial Council Proposal

SRINAGAR: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has firmly rejected a proposal for a territorial or regional council for Ladakh. They reiterated their demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards during a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena during his recent visit to Kargil.

KDA’s Stance on Future Proposals

The KDA, comprising various political and religious groups, expressed its willingness to consider new proposals from the Centre. They urged the resumption of stalled talks, which have not occurred since February. KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai mentioned that Saxena conveyed his discussions were on behalf of the Union Home Ministry.

Goals of Statehood and Sixth Schedule

“Our main objectives remain statehood and Sixth Schedule protections. We have categorically rejected the proposal for a territorial council. If there are any other proposals, we are open to discussing them,” stated Karbalai on Wednesday.

Background of Ladakh’s Governance

Ladakh became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019, following the reorganization of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The region includes the Muslim-majority Kargil and the predominantly Buddhist Leh. While both districts are governed by elected autonomous councils, ultimate governance is managed by the Lieutenant Governor appointed by the Centre. This administrative framework has fueled ongoing demands for full statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

Demand for Resuming Talks

Karbalai indicated that the Home Ministry had promised another round of discussions within 10-15 days following a meeting on February 4, but those talks have yet to occur. KDA’s Sajjad Kargili warned that protests could resume if discussions do not restart. “We do not wish to take such steps, but without dialogue, what options do we have?” he remarked.

Calls for Action on Arrested Protesters

M Jaffer Akhoon, the chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil, stated that KDA also seeks the release of individuals arrested during protests on September 24, 2025. These protests occurred following police firing in Leh that resulted in at least four fatalities and over 80 injuries as demonstrators advocated for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections.

Highlighting Previous Discussions

The first round of talks between the Home Ministry panel and Ladakhi representatives from both the Leh Apex Body and KDA took place on October 22 last year, after the Centre ordered a judicial inquiry into the September 24 firing. The latest round on February 4 was inconclusive, and Ladakhi leaders have since been pressing for another meeting.