Centre Proposes Unique Governance Model for Ladakh; Calls for Statehood Persist, Says Leh Apex Body Leader

Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, co-convenor of the Leh Apex Body, reaffirmed the groups commitment to advocating for statehood for the Ladakh region. In a recent statement, Lakruk emphasized, “We are not abandoning our demand for statehood. Even if statehood is currently unattainable, we will persist in our efforts to pursue this goal.”

The Leh Apex Body represents various stakeholders in Leh, including political parties and civil society groups, who have been vocal about their demands following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The demand for statehood seeks to ensure greater political autonomy and local governance for the residents of Ladakh. As discussions around governance and development continue, the Leh Apex Body is actively engaging with government officials and others to raise awareness about their aspirations for the region.