Protest approach if talks not result-oriented : LAB

Ahead of crucial February 19 meeting of the High Powered Committee to be chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in New Delhi, the Agitational approach if talks not result-oriented : LAB (LAB) has stated that it will be forced to resort to agitational path if categoric assurance was not given by the MHA to address their four major demands.

LAB chairman Thupstan Chhewang told a local media that they will press for written assurance from the MHA on their four-point agenda which is already in the notice of Union Home Ministry.

Four major demands of the LAB and KDA (Kargil Democratic Alliance) include Statehood, Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh, dedicated Public Services Commission and two Parliamentary seats.

Chhewang said they would like the High Powered Committee meeting to be fruitful and result-oriented.

“We will be forced to take to agitational approach if the MHA persist with dilly dallying tactics on our demands,” the LAB chief said.

As per the sources, seven members each from LAB and KDA will participate in the meeting.
Headed by Union MoS Home Nityanand Rai, the HPC comprised Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla and senior officers of the MHA dealing with Ladakh division, Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Brigadier (Retd) BD Mishra, MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and both Chairpersons of UT’s Hill Councils among others.