Onlykashmir.in News Desk
NEW DELHI: Ladakh’s long-pending demands appear to have gained fresh momentum after a crucial Sub-Committee meeting with the Government, with former MP Thupstan Chhewang and former Leh CEC Tashi Gyalson describing the September 9 deliberations as “positive, cordial and constructive.”
Addressing the media in New Delhi, the two leaders said the discussions were held in a conducive atmosphere and reflected the Government’s willingness to engage seriously with Ladakh’s representatives on the region’s major concerns and longstanding demands.
The leaders said the Government’s approach was encouraging and indicated an intent to work towards a mutually acceptable and sustainable solution to issues concerning the Union Territory.
A major highlight of the deliberations, according to Chhewang and Gyalson, was the Government’s assurance regarding the establishment of a Legislative Assembly for Ladakh at the UT level and the provision of appropriate constitutional safeguards under Article 371/K.
They said such safeguards would be crucial for protecting Ladakh’s land and employment opportunities, while preserving its distinctive cultural identity, traditions and fragile ecological environment.
The two leaders termed the assurances a significant development in the ongoing dialogue between Ladakh’s representatives and the Government, expressing optimism that the engagement would now translate into concrete action.
Chhewang and Gyalson said the major demands raised by Ladakh’s representatives had received due consideration during the meeting and that discussions remained focused on the aspirations and interests of the people of the Union Territory.
They expressed satisfaction with the Government’s response and hoped that the commitments made during the deliberations would be implemented in a time-bound manner, paving the way for further talks and tangible measures.
For Ladakh, the latest meeting could mark a significant step forward in the prolonged demand for political representation and constitutional protection.
