Appeals to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for Empowered Hill Councils and Stronger Grassroots Democracy
JK News Today
Leh, October 23: The Civil Society Forum of Ladakh has called upon the Government of India and the UT Administration to prioritise Panchayat and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections across all eight districts, emphasising the need to strengthen democratic representation and accelerate grassroots development.
In a resolution adopted on October 22, the Forum stressed that the restoration of elected institutions should proceed alongside ongoing discussions on constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. It underlined the importance of empowered Hill Councils in protecting local interests, preserving cultural identity and ensuring balanced regional development.
The Forum called for elections in Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, Drass and Sankoo, highlighting the distinct needs and aspirations of Ladakh’s diverse regions. It also emphasised the restoration of Panchayati Raj institutions to strengthen village-level governance and improve the implementation of development programmes.
Four-Point Appeal to the Centre
The Forum appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure inclusive representation of all districts in the dialogue process, sustain constructive engagement among stakeholders, announce elections with enhanced powers for the Hill Councils, and honour the consensus reached towards resolving Ladakh’s concerns.
It also called for a democratically reconstituted Leh Apex Body with adequate representation for women, tribal communities, youth, religious institutions, border nomads and other sections of society.
The Forum maintained that effective local institutions are essential to protecting Ladakh’s land, culture, natural resources and employment opportunities while ensuring that development reaches remote communities.
The resolution emphasised that democratic decentralisation and constitutional safeguards should be pursued simultaneously, allowing local governance to function effectively while broader discussions continue.
“Constitutional safeguards may take time, but democracy cannot wait” summarises the Forum’s central appeal for early elections and stronger democratic institutions across Ladakh.
The Forum expressed hope that the Government of India, the UT Administration and all stakeholders would work together constructively to strengthen public participation, inclusive governance and the long-term development of the Union Territory.
