Advance meeting with MHA to July 15, say Ladakh leaders

As the date for the meeting of Ladakh representatives with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been scheduled for later this month, members of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have demanded that the meeting be advanced to July 15.

As per reports, innovator and educationist Sonam Wangchuk is scheduled to go on 35-day hunger strike from July 15 that will be supported by LAB and KDA, if the meeting is not advanced. The meeting is scheduled for July 28.

LAB and KDA are spearheading the talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding various issues of the UT. Interestingly, Wanghuk has also agreed to be part of the LAB after the members insisted.

Former Member of Parliament (MP) and senior leader of Ladakh, Thupstan Chhewang, who was the chairman of the LAB had tendered his resignation on July 6, a day after a meeting in which it was decided that Wangchuk be made part of the body. While Chhewang — in his resignation — has mentioned that he wanted to distance himself from “partisan agendas”, insiders say that there might be an internal strife within the LAB due to which the senior leader resigned.

Chhewang has also resigned from the High-Powered Committee (HPC) that is chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai to review the issues of the Sixth Schedule, statehood among others for Ladakh. Members of LAB have proposed inclusion of Sonam Wangchuk in the HPC.

A meeting was held on Monday by LAB members in which they appealed to Chhewang to reconsider his resignation. “Considering the recent announcement by Thupstan Chhewang to resign from the chairmanship of the LAB, the members unanimously resolved to request him to reconsider his decision, keeping in view the larger interest of Ladakh and its future. The members reaffirmed their unwavering support for his leadership and expressed deep respect for his vision and guidance,” a statement issued by LAB stated.

J & K