Centre Proposes Article 371(K) to Provide Legislative Protections for Ladakh

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed the introduction of a new constitutional provision, Article 371(K), to establish a directly elected governing body for the Union Territory of Ladakh. This proposed body would have legislative powers over land, culture, language, forests, environment, and natural resources. The offer follows a meeting on September 9, 2026, between the Ministry and representatives from the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Despite the proposal, representatives from Ladakh expressed disappointment because the government has not yet provided a detailed draft proposal. Key issues remain unresolved, including executive, financial, and planning powers, as well as control over the police and bureaucracy. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other civil society members stated that the offer remains incomplete without a draft spelling out these specific powers. Further talks are expected in October.

Ladakh's demands for constitutional safeguards intensified after the region was made a separate Union Territory without a legislature in August 2019. While the Buddhist dominated Leh district initially welcomed the change, concerns grew over political alienation and changes to domicile rules affecting land and employment. Representatives have sought statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and a larger role for local residents in decision making.

In addition to governance reforms, the delegation requested the withdrawal of criminal cases against 80 people involved in protests and compensation for families of four people killed in police firing during violence in Leh city on September 24, 2025. Ladakh chief secretary Ashish Kundra described the meeting as having a general air of positivity, noting that the goal is deepening democracy.