Center offering a unique governance model in Ladakh, demand for statehood to continue: Leh Apex Body leader

Leh Apex Body (LAB) Co-Chairperson Chering Dorjay (centre) with other members addressing a press conference in Leh, Ladakh. | Photo credit: PTI

Last Friday (May 22, 2026), the Union Home Ministry proposed a new mechanism that would grant greater legislative, financial and administrative powers to Ladakh within the existing Union Territory. The proposal was tabled in a meeting with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), two major civil society bodies from Ladakh.

As of 2020, the LAB and KDA are demanding constitutional guarantees such as statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, giving it tribal status and autonomy to decide on land laws, jobs and culture.

Published – 24 May 2026 19:45 IST