Jammu: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Friday said that stakeholders have already submitted draft proposals addressing various issues and that the Centre will take decisions keeping the interests of the Union Territory and the nation in mind.
He said discussions are continuing in Ladakh and the process is progressing in a structured manner. “They have submitted their draft, and further deliberations will be carried out on the basis of that document,” Gupta said, adding that the administration remains committed to sustained dialogue to address all concerns constructively.
Ladakh representatives had held a meeting with a sub-committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi on October 22, during which they raised their primary demands, including statehood and constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule.
Responding to opposition criticism over the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail, Gupta said that only decisions in the interest of the country would be taken, and whatever action is taken would also be in Ladakh’s interest. He said the Central government is taking appropriate steps and that any decision would be guided by the larger public interest.
Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union Territory. The government had accused him of inciting the violence.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of a three-day painting exhibition titled ‘Memory Imprints’ by eminent artist Milan Sharma at the Master Sansar Chand Gallery here. He said a large number of infrastructure and road projects are currently underway in Ladakh, all of which have been taken up with the Government of India and the Union Finance Minister.
“In several of these projects, funds of the Union Territory are also being utilised. There were some issues related to land acquisition, which I have brought to the notice of the Union Home Minister and the Finance Minister,” he said.
Gupta added that Ladakh’s growing emphasis on renewable energy would mark a new phase in its development. He said the region has recently established a unique thermal power project, while solar energy initiatives in the Pangong area are also progressing, with ONGC actively involved. He expressed confidence that future geothermal energy projects in Ladakh could potentially supply electricity to the entire country.
On tourism, the Lieutenant Governor said Ladakh should be developed as a year-round destination. “Tourism should not be limited to just three or four months. Our consistent effort will be to ensure that Ladakh attracts visitors throughout the year, and all necessary facilities will be created accordingly,” he said.
Commenting on the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme, Gupta said the government has already taken a decision on the matter and added that it would not be appropriate for him to comment on its impact.
The three-day exhibition ‘Memory Imprints’ by Milan Sharma is being organised by Jammu’s Kala Kendra at the Master Sansar Chand Gallery.