Ladakh demands separate legislature |
Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s crucial meeting on 24th June with leaders of all political parties from Jammu and Kashmir, a grouping of Leh-based socio-religious and political organisations, along with BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal has demanded a separate legislature for the Union Territory of Ladakh. In a press conference, former Ladakh MP Thupstan Chhewang, a member of the Apex Body that comprises heads of most socio-religious and political organisations, said “We had so far been demanding safeguards under 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution to address people`s apprehensions relating to land, reservation to jobs, culture, language and environment after abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A. However, we have now changed our demand to a UT with legislature for Ladakh.” A decision was taken by the Apex Body on 22nd June that “in view of the present political situation and the kind of administration set up and the works undertaken in Ladakh after the formation of UT, the aspirations of the people cannot be met unless they get the power to make laws and decide about Ladakh``. Chhewang added, “However if the safeguards as available under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution was not possible for the people of Ladakh despite their getting a UT with the legislature, we will demand the Centre to have a separate Schedule for them in the Constitution,``.
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