JAMMU, July 16: Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta said that he would initiate wide-ranging consultations with all stakeholders, including former MLAs and MLCs, on Ladakh’s demands for Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.Some people are demanding Statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. I will hold deliberations with all stakeholders. The four ex MLAs from Ladakh, who were part of the pre-2019 J&K Assembly are my friends-even though they are not from my party, I will reach out to them, as well as to former MLCs. My current role is non-partisan, and I will sincerely try to implement what the people of Ladakh demand or aspire for, ” said Kavinder in an interview with Excelsior News- digital edition of Daily Excelsior
Gupta was Deputy Chief Minister and Speaker of Assembly when Ladakh was part of J&K before it became a separate Union Territory on Aug 5, 2019. He was appointed new LG Ladakh on July 14.
The newly appointed LG of Ladakh said that on July 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him and said, “Should we send you outside Jammu?” to which he agreed. He added, “I never thought they would appoint me as LG, although the Prime Minister had called me three or four times in the past.”
Ladakh like J&K faces regional divide as differences between Shia Muslim dominated Kargil and Buddhist dominated Leh surface regularly leading to tensions at times. Though, of late both the regions are unitedly demanding Statehood and bringing Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. “My administration will work with both Buddhists and Muslims to strengthen trust and ensure that the Government reaches every citizen in Ladakh.”
The LG designate said reaching out to the people and taking them along is very important and crucial as there has been Chinese interference along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Since the ALC is not clearly demarcated there have been many instances in the past where Chinese civilians and troops entered into Indian territory which caused tension and resentment among the locals. Since 2020 Galwan clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, relations between India and China remain strained.
Kavinder is the first LG of Ladakh who comes with a political background. Before him the first LG, R K Mathur was former bureaucrat and then Brig (Retd) BD Misra was from Army. It is seen as Centre’s attempt to reach out to the people as the region has been on edge over the demand of State and 6th schedule. Home Ministry is consistently holding talks with local leadership.
Gupta said the Ladakh had faced decades of discrimination under previous Governments, and said that the creation of a Union Territory in 2019 was necessary to end that neglect. He added that after 2014, the region witnessed massive infrastructural development through central funding, and the recent creation of seven districts would further bring administration closer to the people.
“Now, this development must be executed effectively on the ground. The decision on newly created districts has to executed on the ground. My goal is to ensure that governance touches every Ladakhi’s life, ,” Gupta said.
While responding to growing calls for Statehood and Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, Gupta said: “Voices are emerging regularly. Some arise out of genuine concerns, while others are aimed at disturbing the atmosphere. I will speak with all section. These deliberations will help build consensus,” he added.
Gupta stressed that his new role as LG would be non-partisan and entirely focused on fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.”I no longer represent any political party. My duty is to act as a bridge between the people of Ladakh and the Centre. Whatever the people demand, I will strive to deliver.”
He acknowledged that China’s growing assertiveness in the region was a concern and said that “building unity and confidence among people” would be key in countering external threats.
On the developmental front, Gupta recalled laying the foundation stone of the Zojila Tunnel in 2018 alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and expressed hope that the project would be completed during his tenure.”The tunnel will be a lifeline. I feel proud that I was part of its beginning and I look forward to its completion.”
“I am coming to Ladakh with open mind. I will sit, listen, and learn from the people. Governance will be a joint effort-between the administration, the people, and me. I believe in teamwork and constant learning. That is the only way Ladakh can connect better with the rest of India.”
Kavinder said he did face difficult times during the Assembly elections, when he was denied a ticket, but he never spoke a word against the party. “Perhaps this is the result of that patience,” he said, adding, “The party has already given me more than enough.”
