Ladakh groups claim breakthrough in talks with MHA on legislative powers

SRINAGAR: Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, the two organisations negotiating with the Union govt for administrative autonomy to Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, claimed a breakthrough Wednesday in talks with the MHA’s subcommittee in Delhi on legislative powers over land, culture and language, forests and natural resources.In a joint statement, the groups said the meeting furthered the “in-principle understanding” reached during talks on May 22 and July 3 on Ladakh’s demands, including constitutional safeguards through special provisions under Article 371.They said MHA stopped short of guaranteeing powers across the board under Lists II and III of the Seventh Schedule, including law and order.MHA assured compensation to the families of those killed and the protesters injured in the Sept 24, 2025, violence in Leh, the groups claimed. The Union govt also agreed to withdraw cases against 24 people and review those against another 34 on a case-to-case basis.