Leh, 24 October (H.S.): Leaders of the Kargil Democratic Alliance on Saturday expressed concern over a series of recent notifications issued by the Ladakh administration, accusing it of taking unilateral decisions even as negotiations over an empowered governance framework for the region remain unresolved.

They also warned that continued disregard for Ladakh's demands could trigger a public response.

The concerns come amid dissatisfaction over a draft governance proposal presented during an October 15 sub-committee meeting involving the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The two regional bodies rejected the proposal, maintaining that it failed to meet the commitments made during earlier discussions. A subsequent meeting scheduled for October 22 in Delhi was postponed.

Addressing a press conference in Kargil, KDA co-chairman Sajad Kargili said the administration's continued issuance of notifications, including those concerning the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC) and reservation-related matters, raised questions about its priorities at a time when discussions with the Centre over constitutional safeguards and greater powers for Ladakh remained inconclusive.

It appears that the UT administration has no work left other than issuing notices and notifications and imposing unilateral decisions on the people of Ladakh, Kargili said, alleging that the developments amounted to an assault on democratic rights.

He also accused the administration of sidelining the aspirations of Ladakh's people and warned that the region's democratic institutions were being weakened.

Kargili criticised the proposed draft concerning the LAHDCs, alleging that it diluted the existing framework instead of strengthening local self-governance.

He said the draft had fallen short of expectations, adding that the leadership had anticipated a framework providing substantially greater powers to Ladakh.

KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai issued a strong warning against what he described as attempts to intimidate or mislead the people through administrative measures.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, warning the government not to mistake people's restraint for fear, acquiescence or acceptance of its decisions.

The silence we are witnessing today is the calm before the storm, Karbalai said.

He also cautioned the administration against assuming that the people of Ladakh had retreated or abandoned their demands.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar