CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Sonam Wangchuk gives Centre one-year ultimatum on Ladakh Assembly demand
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has given the central government one year over Ladakh’s constitutional and political demands. He said the Centre should introduce and pass a Ladakh Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, and after that steps should be taken within the next one year towards forming Ladakh’s own Assembly and government.
Assembly first, then major decisions
Sonam Wangchuk said the biggest problem in Ladakh is that several major administrative decisions are being taken even before an Assembly comes into existence there. According to him, an elected Assembly of the people should be formed first, and only after that should major decisions related to the region be taken.
He said the Assembly should be the supreme institution and the bureaucracy should work under it. Local democratic institutions should have a key role in decisions related to law and order, financial powers and Ladakh’s administration.
Position softened on statehood
Wangchuk has somewhat softened his position on the demand for full statehood. He said it is not necessary to secure all demands in the first attempt. If the Centre feels Ladakh is not economically self-reliant at present, a democratic framework can be created for the region that gives it time to strengthen its economy and become self-reliant. He indicated that progress towards full statehood could be made after five to 10 years.
Sixth Schedule demand also important
There has also long been a demand for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. The main demands of Wangchuk and other Ladakh organisations have included political representation, constitutional protection and safeguarding the rights of local people. In recent days, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has also sought concrete progress in talks with the Centre. The organisation has indicated that the agitation could be intensified again if the talks do not produce results.
Government questioned over liquor shops
Wangchuk also raised questions over efforts to open new liquor shops in Ladakh. He said alcohol cannot be the solution to the drug problem. According to him, the government should reconsider such policies on issues related to youth.
Concern expressed over the environment
Referring to the recent disaster in Nepal, Wangchuk also expressed concern over the environment in the Himalayan region. He said India needs to work more seriously on environmental protection. According to him, the Himalayas are linked to the lives and water resources of crores of people, and ignoring the environmental crisis could create serious risks for the future.
Sonam Wangchuk’s one-year ultimatum has come at a time when talks between the Centre and Ladakh’s representatives are continuing. Attention will now be on what kind of roadmap the central government presents on Ladakh’s political and constitutional demands in the upcoming rounds of talks.
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