Ladakh to Establish Unique Elected Body, No Statehood Offered
Ladakh's Chief Secretary announces a new governance model, rejecting statehood and proposing a sui generis elected body with legislative powers.
Ladakh will not receive statehood or a legislative Union Territory.
A unique governance model will be created, allowing legislative and executive powers.
Local leaders express disappointment over the lack of concrete progress in negotiations.
In a significant announcement on September 10, 2026, Ladakh's Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra clarified that the region will not be granted statehood or a Union Territory with legislative powers. Instead, a sui generis governance model will be established, which will allow for legislative, executive, and financial authority. Kundra emphasized that this model is unprecedented in India and aims to fulfill the aspirations of the local populace for greater autonomy.
The Chief Secretary's remarks followed a meeting with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on September 9, where the proposed structure for the new governance body was discussed. Participants agreed on the necessity of direct elections through constituencies for this body. Kundra mentioned that members were provided with questions to clarify doubts regarding the relationship between the existing hill councils and the new body, with further discussions anticipated in October.
Kundra underscored the importance of a thorough legal and parliamentary process for any constitutional amendments, stating that broad political consensus and stakeholder consultation are essential. He assured that no framework would be imposed without proper dialogue, aiming to foster a collaborative approach to governance in Ladakh.
However, members of the LAB and KDA expressed their dissatisfaction with the discussions, indicating that the Union Territory administration and the Ministry were not aligned in their objectives. LAB representative Cherring Dorjay Lakruk criticized the lack of a clear agenda, stating that the questions posed by officials required prior notice for adequate responses. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, also part of the LAB, warned that protests would resume if their demands were not met soon.
Since Ladakh's transition to a Union Territory in 2019, following the revocation of its special status under Article 370, local leaders have been advocating for statehood and tribal status to enhance local governance. They seek a more significant role in decisions affecting land and infrastructure. Wangchuk noted that the proposed elected body is a step towards achieving these goals, while also calling for compensation for victims of violence in Leh and the withdrawal of criminal cases against protestors. The ongoing negotiations reflect the complex dynamics of governance and representation in Ladakh as it navigates its unique political landscape.
