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| Setback for Cong as LBA asserts authority, Thupstan returns to lead LBA | | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 18: In a major political development in Ladakh, the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has reasserted its authority over the Leh Apex Body (LAB), declaring that it will not allow “politicisation” of the platform spearheading the agitation for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
After a tough stand taken by the LBA, the Ladakh Congress announced that it would withdraw from the Leh Apex Committee to maintain its non-political character.
The LBA urged former chief Thupstan Chhewang and two Members of Parliament to lead the Apex Body in order to strengthen the movement. Accepting the request, Chhewang returned to the leadership fold after having resigned from the Apex Body in May 2025, citing “partisan, individual agendas and competing interests.”
The decision has dealt a setback to the Congress camp, as its leaders and associates who were accused of “fishing in troubled waters” announced they would step away from the Apex Body.
Chhewang’s return has revived hopes of renewed dialogue with the Centre, which is reportedly considering serious talks with Ladakh’s representatives on the issues of statehood, Sixth Schedule safeguards, and protection of local rights.
Meanwhile, Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan has appealed to the Union Government to immediately resume discussions with the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). He stressed that “dialogue is the only way forward” to address Ladakh’s long-standing demands.
“This is not a fight for an individual or a pa The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has reasserted its authority over the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
It has declared that it will not allow politicisation of the platform spearheading the agitation for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
After a tough stand taken by the LBA, the Ladakh Congress announced that it would withdraw from the Leh Apex Committee to maintain its non-political character.
The LBA urged former chief Thupstan Chhewang and two Members of Parliament to lead the Apex Body in order to strengthen the movement.
Jan underscored Ladakh’s strategic significance and cautioned against instability. “We never want a situation that threatens security in the region. Dialogue is the only credible path,” he said, noting that while the last meeting with the Home Ministry had promised follow-up talks within a month, no fresh date has yet been announced.
He urged leaders across party lines, including the BJP in Leh and Kargil, to unite on the issue. “This issue must remain apolitical. It is purely about Ladakh,” he emphasised.
Welcoming Thupstan Chhewang’s leadership, the MP said the veteran leader’s credibility and experience would strengthen both the movement and the prospects of dialogue. “We respect him across Leh and Kargil. His presence will help bridge the gap between New Delhi and Ladakh,” Jan remarked.
On employment and domicile policies, Jan acknowledged differences but said interim safeguards were only partial. “Ladakh’s long-term protection depends on resolving the larger constitutional issues,” he added.
Confirming that the KDA and LAB are coordinating their strategies, he warned that future agitation plans could be announced if talks do not progress. “Ladakh’s fight is for its identity and future. We believe in peaceful engagement, but it is time the Centre takes this process seriously,” Jan concluded. |
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