Ladakh civil society forum slams Sonam Wangchuk, demands elections in all eight districts

The Civil Society Forum of Ladakh has criticised the ongoing dialogue with the Centre over constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory, saying the original agenda of protecting land, jobs, culture and the environment has been sidelined. At a meeting held in Leh on October 22, the Forum accused Sonam Wangchuk of dominating the discussions and expressed concern over what it described as delaying tactics and confrontational politics by certain members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The Forum has demanded immediate Panchayat and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections across all eight districts, along with enhanced powers for elected councils. It also wants the LAB reconstituted with democratically elected representatives from all districts, arguing that the existing leadership no longer represents Ladakh's inclusive voice.

Former MP Thupstan Chhewang questioned the rejection of the Ministry of Home Affairs draft proposal by LAB and KDA leaders. He said the Centre's proposal had been turned down without adequate examination, and blamed repeated delays for the non-holding of the scheduled October 22 meeting with the MHA in New Delhi.

These are the Forum's allegations as recorded in its resolution and reflect its position on the ongoing negotiations.