Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir is confronted with controversies and conflicting narratives, Ladakh region has once again emerged as a cohesive political unit where differing political forces joined hands and heads to work for the future of their region.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Friday said they have reached an “in-principle” understanding with the Union Government on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G, as applied to Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram.
Sources said that the understanding emerged during a meeting between the sub-committee of LAB and KDA representatives and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), where discussions were held on Ladakh’s future administrative and political framework.
As per a statement issued by the Ladakh leaders, LAB and KDA reiterated the long-standing aspirations of the people of Ladakh regarding the restoration of democracy, constitutional safeguards, and the demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, reflecting the shared commitment of all stakeholders towards an inclusive and sustainable governance framework for the region.
The two bodies said that following the deliberations, both sides arrived at an in-principle understanding on several critical points.
“In this model, the legislative, executive, and financial powers will rest with elected representatives through a Union Territory-level legislative body,” the statement said. All bureaucrats in the UT, including the Chief Secretary, will come under the executive head of the UT-level elected body, proposed to be a Chief Minister.
MHA officials explained that the only reason Ladakh cannot be granted statehood at present is its inadequate revenue generation to meet revenue expenditure, such as employee salaries. However, this arrangement will move Ladakh towards full statehood once it meets the revenue criteria. KDA and LAB said they look forward to working closely with MHA to finalise the operational details in consultation with legal and constitutional experts.
DGP Ladakh Mukesh Singh transferred to Manipur on 3-year deputation
As New Delhi and Ladakh are nearing a political arrangement, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the transfer of Director General of Police (DGP), Ladakh, Mukesh Singh, to Manipur on inter-cadre deputation for a period of three years.
As per an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the decision follows a proposal received from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated May 15, 2026.
The approval has been accorded as a special case in public interest, with relaxation of the standard rules governing inter-cadre deputation and waiver of the mandatory cooling-off period after central deputation.
Singh had recently taken charge as DGP Ladakh. He was appointed to the post by the Centre in January 2026, replacing SD Singh Jamwal, who was subsequently posted to Arunachal Pradesh.
