*Expresses hope for early MHA talks
Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, May 26: The Leh Apex body, along with various religious organisations of Leh, on behalf of the people of Ladakh, organised a gratitude ceremony at NDS Ground Leh to honour the family members of the martyrs, those injured on the fateful day, and all those who were jailed following the September 24 Leh violence.
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The programme was addressed by several leaders who were jailed during the agitation, including Sonam Wangchuk. They expressed gratitude to the people of Ladakh for the unity they have shown in support of Ladakh’s cause over the last few years.
Wangchuk said the positive outcome of the recent meeting with the MHA was possible because of Ladakh’s unity, sacrifices, and continued struggle to safeguard the future of Ladakh.
He said the proposed legislative body, in whatever form it may come, would have supervisory powers over all officers, including the Chief Secretary, and that the elected body would also write the APRs of employees. He added that Ladakh’s budget would be decided by the elected body. According to Wangchuk, the proposed safeguards under Article 371 were also part of the proposal placed during the MHA meeting. He further appealed to the people of Ladakh, including all political parties, to set aside their differences and remain united if the upcoming meetings do not go in Ladakh’s favour.
Wangchuk, however, expressed hope that Ladakh’s proposed special model of assembly would move ahead in a positive direction in the coming rounds of talks with the Centre.
Expressing satisfaction over the recent meeting with the MHA, Apex Body Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook said that the proposal for a legislative body for Ladakh with Article 371 safeguards appears promising, though the details will need to be discussed further in the upcoming meetings.
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