Govt announces panchayat poll process in Ladakh to fill ‘democratic vacuum'
The Ladakh administration has announced plans to initiate panchayat elections to address a 'democratic vacuum' in the Union Territory. This move follows discussions with local representatives who continue to advocate for greater legislative autonomy and statehood.
Why it matters
The political status of Ladakh remains a sensitive issue, and these elections represent a step toward formalizing local governance in a contested region.
SRINAGAR: A day after a meeting between Ladakh representatives and officials of ministry of home affairs, the Ladakh administration Thursday announced that the govt was taking steps to address the democratic vacuum in the Union Territory and, to begin with, it would recommend to the Election Commission to initiate the panchayat election process.Speaking to media persons in Leh, chief secretary Ashish Kundra said the commission would undertake necessary revision of electoral rolls before issuing a formal notification.Currently, only the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil has an elected body. Elections to its counterpart in Leh could not be held following the Sept 24 violence last year, when four people were killed after the police allegedly opened fire on protesters demanding Sixth Schedule protection and statehood for the region.“There are panchayats, municipalities and district councils. Obviously, we will fulfil our constitutional and legal obligations.
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