- LAB and KDA rejected the Home Ministry's draft and asked it to accept their own draft agreement instead.
- They say it resembles an old NEFA-style agency with power held by the LG; the draft has not been made public.
- The ministry had not publicly responded; the groups plan a written reply on 18 October, before the 22 October talks.
In a joint statement on 16 October 2026, LAB and KDA rejected the Home Ministry's draft "in principle", calling it "a significant departure" from earlier assurances. They said it proposes an arrangement like the old North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) rather than a UT with a legislature, which they say was agreed as the minimum in minutes of the 22 May meeting signed on 3 July. LAB's Lakrook said the draft sets up a body under the Lieutenant Governor that ranks below the existing hill council. The groups plan a point-by-point reply on 18 October.
Claim by claim
The draft proposes a NEFA-type arrangement that ranks below the existing hill council.
Said by Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic AllianceThe draft has not been published and the Home Ministry has not responded publicly, so the groups' description cannot be checked.
The Hindu · Hindustan TimesThe Centre has backtracked from the 22 May understanding, which set a UT with a legislature as the minimum.
Said by Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic AllianceThe groups say the minutes guarantee a UT with a legislature. The Chief Secretary said on 10 September the body would not be a UT with a legislature but a different kind of body, so the two sides read the understanding differently.
The HinduLAB and KDA will send a detailed response to the ministry on 18 October.
The Hindu and Kashmir Life both report this plan.
The Hindu · Kashmir LifeWhat each side says
The groups say the draft fails to provide a legislative assembly or tailored Article 371 safeguards, describe it as a parallel structure headed by the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary, and ask the ministry to accept their draft memorandum of understanding in full.
The Hindu · Hindustan Times · The TribuneThe ministry had not publicly responded to the rejection. Earlier, the Chief Secretary said the planned body would have legislative, executive and financial powers, would not be imposed without consultation, and would need broad political consensus.
The HinduNot yet known
- ?What the Home Ministry's draft actually says, since it has not been released.
- ?Whether the 22 October talks will narrow the gap or lead to renewed protests.
Sources
4 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.
- The HinduLadakh groups reject government proposal, call it 'significant departure' from assurances
- Hindustan TimesMHA proposed 'archaic' governance model, we rejected it: Ladakh bodies
- The Tribune'Backtracked by Home Minsitry': Ladakh bodies reject Home Ministry's draft proposal
- Kashmir LifeLadakh Leaders Reject Centre's Draft on Article 371, Elected UT Body; Next Talks on October 22
- The HinduNo statehood, Ladakh to get unique elected body, says Chief Secretary
Spasht writes original summaries. Follow the links to read each outlet's own report. Revision 1.