Zanskar, Jan 23, KNT: A major blow to the demand for statehood by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance has emerged after a high-level delegation from the Zanskar region conveyed to the Government of India that they are not in favour of statehood for Ladakh and instead seek a separate autonomous hill council for Zanskar.
The delegation, which called on the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, clearly communicated its opposition to the ongoing demand for statehood, citing Zanskar-specific concerns and stressing the need for internal autonomy and strong institutional safeguards. The stance directly contradicts the campaign being spearheaded by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which are jointly pressing for Sixth Schedule safeguards and full statehood for Ladakh.
The high-level delegation was led by Tsering Dorjay, Chairman of the Apex Zanskar Coordination Committee and President of the Zanskar Buddhist Association. The delegation included prominent socio-religious leaders and elected representatives, among them Gyan. Chosphel Zotpa, former Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Geshe Chetan Chonjor of the All Zanskar Gonpa Association, Phunchok Tashi, Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Stanzin Lakpa, Councillor LAHDC Kargil and General Secretary BJP Ladakh, Stanzin Jigmet, Councillor LAHDC Kargil, and Namgyal Phunchok, Nominated Councillor LAHDC Kargil. Senior BJP leader and former CEC LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, was also present during the meeting.
In a formal memorandum, the delegation urged the Centre to expedite the operationalization of Zanskar as a separate district, stating that while in-principle approval has already been granted, formal notification, posting of key officers and establishment of administrative infrastructure must be completed without delay.
Before meeting the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, the delegation also called on the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and later met senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the Joint Secretary handling Ladakh Affairs, to brief them on ground realities in Zanskar. Officials assured the delegation that the Government of India remains committed to addressing the developmental needs and aspirations of the people of Zanskar.
The Zanskar Coordination Committee today addressed a press conference and confirmed that they oppose the statehood demand and instead want a separate hill development council for Zanskar.
Meanwhile, the Zanskar delegation’s stand triggered sharp political reactions. A senior leader of the Kargil Democratic Alliance reacted strongly, saying that those opposing statehood for Ladakh cannot be well-wishers of the people. The leader alleged that most of those speaking against statehood are aligned with the BJP and are dancing to the tunes of the central government.
The development has exposed visible internal fault lines within Ladakh over its future political and administrative framework, even as LAB and KDA continue their agitation for Sixth Schedule protection and statehood. [KNT]
