Ladakh to get unique elected body, not statehood: Chief Secretary

Ladakh's Chief Secretary announced that the Union Territory will receive a unique elected body rather than statehood, following discussions between the Home Ministry, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The proposed structure would be constituted under Article 371, creating a UT-level governing body. However, Ladakh leaders criticised the meeting, calling it a "waste of time and money." They alleged that the Home Ministry and UT administration lack alignment on key issues affecting the region.

The announcement comes amid ongoing demands from Ladakh representatives for either statehood or greater autonomy since the region's separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.