Full Breakdown
Ladakh Negotiations: Proposal for a Union Territory-Level Elected Body under Article 371(K)
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Proposal
On September 9 2026 the Union Ministry of Home Affairs offered to introduce Article 371(K), creating a directly elected governing body for the Union Territory of Ladakh with legislative authority over land, culture, language, forests, environment and natural resources. The proposal was discussed in a sub-committee meeting in New Delhi with representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
Background & Context
In 2019 the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act turned Ladakh into a Union Territory without its own legislature, shifting governance to the Lieutenant Governor and central officials. LAB and KDA have since demanded greater democratic representation. The Sixth Schedule—currently applied only in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura—protects tribal lands and local administration; Ladakh has not been placed under it despite a 2019 recommendation from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Timeline
- May 22 2026 – Civil-society members voiced dissatisfaction in an earlier Delhi meeting.
- July 3 2026 – Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra signaled intent to form the elected body.
- September 9 2026 – Ministry of Home Affairs proposes Article 371(K) to LAB and KDA.
- September 10 2026 – Government announces the proposal; groups planned a protest march.
- First week of October 2026 – Expected presentation of a draft amendment and further talks.
Data & Statistics
- Over 90 % of Ladakh’s population belongs to tribal communities such as the Balti, Bot, Brokpa, Changpa and Purigpa.
- Reservations for Scheduled Tribes in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils were raised from 45 % to 84 % during the 2025-2026 high-powered committee process.
- Women’s reservation in those councils stands at one-third.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra described the discussions as “positive” and said the central government is seeking “extensive consultation” with stakeholders. He noted the framework would sit above the existing Hill Development Councils and that the draft amendment would need a two-thirds parliamentary majority under Article 368. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the elected body would be formed through direct elections with separate delimitation and constituencies, and that safeguards for land, mining, identity, culture and language would be incorporated.
Criticism & Opposition
- Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist and educationist, called the September 9 meeting “a red herring” that offered only a list of questions and no draft.
- “We are very disappointed. There was hardly anything new beyond the last meeting four months ago,” said Free Representatives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree the elected body will have legislative powers over the listed subjects, but they differ on whether executive authority, budget control and policing will be transferred. The draft’s wording, which will determine the extent of real power, has not been disclosed. The Centre indicated it would provide compensation for those killed or injured in the September 24 2025 violence in Leh, yet no concrete mechanism or timeline has been provided.
What’s Next
An advanced draft of the constitutional amendment is expected in the first week of October 2026. Parliamentary approval will require a two-thirds majority in both Houses, after which detailed legislation will define the powers of the new UT-level body.
