Ahead of ‘firing’ deaths anniversary, promise of Article 371 framework for Ladakh

Srinagar: Two days ahead of the first anniversary of four deaths in alleged police firing on protesters in Leh demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood on Sept 24 last year, Ladakh authorities promised Tuesday a new framework under Article 371 to provide constitutional safeguards suited to the Union territory’s (UT) specific requirements.In an interaction with prominent community members in Leh, chief secretary Ashish Kundra signalled broad agreement on the need for such safeguards. “The protection should cover our land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources,” he said.According to Kundra, the new framework being worked out “considering the aspirations of Ladakhis does not exist anywhere else in the country”. The draft will be discussed at the next meeting with Ladakh groups in the first week of Oct.