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The two bodies said they reached an agreement with the Union Government on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards.
The LAB and KDA are jointly spearheading the agitation in Ladakh in support of their demands for statehood. (PTI/Representational Photo)
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Tuesday announced that they have reached an “in-principle understanding” with the Government of India on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards to the Union Territory.
In a joint press note issued by the two bodies representing Ladakh after a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs today, they claimed the Centre had agreed to provide constitutional protections for Ladakh “on the lines of Articles 371A, 371F and 371G,” similar to safeguards available in Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram.
The development follows recent deliberations between representatives of LAB, KDA and the MHA over the future political and administrative framework of Ladakh. The LAB and KDA are jointly spearheading the agitation in Ladakh in support of their demands for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
What Did They Agree On?
“Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) today reached an In-Principle Understanding with the Government of India on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Article 371A, F, and G (as applied to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram),” the two bodies said in a press note.
The development took place weeks after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Ladakh and met several delegations, including some representatives of these bodies. However, a word from the Government of India is awaited on the understanding reached as claimed by the two groups representing Ladakh.
- According to the statement, both sides arrived at an understanding on several key issues after what they described as “detailed and constructive deliberations.” The proposed framework envisages legislative, executive and financial powers being vested in elected representatives through a Union Territory-level legislative body.
- They said that all bureaucrats of the Union Territory, including the Chief Secretary, would function under the executive authority of the elected body, proposed to be headed by a Chief Minister.
- The two groups said the discussions reflected a shared commitment towards creating an inclusive and sustainable governance framework for the region. “During the meeting, both LAB and KDA reiterated the long-standing aspirations of the people of Ladakh regarding the restoration of democracy, constitutional safeguards, and the demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections reflecting the shared commitment of all stakeholders towards an inclusive and sustainable governance framework for the region,” the statement read.
Ladakh Statehood
The statement also noted that MHA authorities explained that Ladakh could not be granted full statehood immediately due to inadequate revenue generation to meet expenditure requirements, including employee salaries. However, the proposed arrangement could eventually pave the way for full statehood once the Union Territory meets the required revenue criteria.
The LAB and KDA said they would continue consultations with the MHA, as well as legal and constitutional experts, to work out the finer operational details of the proposed framework.
After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory without a legislative assembly. The move was initially welcomed in Leh but soon led to widespread disappointment and growing unrest across the region.
Since 2021, the two groups have jointly led sustained protests. Their primary demands include granting full statehood to Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for tribal safeguards, establishment of a Ladakh Public Service Commission for local employment, and greater political representation.
The Central Government constituted a High-Powered Committee to engage with the LAB and KDA, holding multiple rounds of talks. However, progress remained slow. In September 2025, protests in Leh turned violent, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to dozens. Protesters set the local BJP office on fire, leading to clashes with police, imposition of curfew, and heightened tensions in the UT.
In the aftermath, noted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26, 2025. He was released in March 2026 after nearly six months, a move widely viewed as a confidence-building measure by the Centre. Around the same time, the Union Government also replaced Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, hinting at positive development.
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