GoI committed to provide necessary Constitutional safeguards to Ladakh: MHA
VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, Mar 4: A delegation comprising six members from the Apex Body, Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Monday called on Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi.
The meeting was convened to address the pressing concerns and demands of the Ladakhi people, particularly regarding constitutional safeguards and protection of their unique cultural and linguistic identity.
In the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to provide necessary constitutional safeguards to the Union Territory of Ladakh. He assured the delegation that the High Powered Committee on Ladakh, which was constituted to address the demands of ABL and KDA, has been actively discussing modalities to ensure the region’s constitutional protections.
Emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and consultation, the Home Minister highlighted the need for the consultative mechanism established through the High Powered Committee to continue engaging with stakeholders on various critical issues.
These issues include safeguarding Ladakh’s unique culture and language, protecting land rights and ensuring employment opportunities, fostering inclusive development, empowering the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), and exploring constitutional safeguards for positive outcomes. The High Powered Committee, under the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, has been diligently working with representatives from ABL and KDA, making significant progress.
A sub-committee formed by the HPC has also been actively engaged with the Ministry of Law and other experts to address specific concerns. Today, the second meeting of this sub-committee took place, attended by representatives from ABL and KDA, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Legal Affairs, and Legislative Department. During the meeting, constructive discussions were held on various issues, including land rights, employment opportunities, and constitutional safeguards aimed at benefiting the people of Ladakh.
The atmosphere was cordial, and both sides expressed their commitment to finding viable solutions that uphold the interests and aspirations of the Ladakhi people. The assurances provided by the Union Home Minister and the ongoing collaborative efforts between the government and Ladakhi representatives signify a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the region and ensuring its holistic development while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
