The Leh Apex Body (LAB), civil society coalition representing the people of Leh district in Ladakh, has refused to sign the minutes of its May 22 meeting with India’s Home Ministry, saying a key agreement on officers’ appraisal reports was deliberately omitted. According to Kashmir Media Service, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk said the document dropped a point agreed in New Delhi that Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of officers up to Chief Secretary level would be written by the elected body of Ladakh.

“I did not sign because one of the key points discussed was missing. The proposal came from New Delhi itself. The Indian Home Ministry should not alter or omit any point agreed upon,” Lakruk told media.  Last month, LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced an “in-principle” understanding with the BJP-led Indian government on restoring democracy, statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh on lines of Articles 371A, 371F and 371G applicable in Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram. 

Under the proposed framework, legislative, executive and financial powers would vest in an elected Ladakh-level legislature, with all bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary, functioning under the elected government.  The LAB said India must not tamper with agreed terms as Ladakh leaders await formal implementation of the deal. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)