National
`UT status for Ladakh only solution'
By Our Correspondent
JAMMU, JAN. 28. The president ofthe Ladakh Buddhist Association, T. Samphel, has regretted that though Ladakh is twice the area of Jammu and Kashmir divisions put together, the Jammu and Kashmir Government refuses to concede even a divisional status to it.
According to him, no solution can be found to the problems of Ladakh region in the present over-centralised political system in the State which is dominated by Kashmir-based leadership. Consequently, the other vital identities like Ladakh and Jammu have remained neglected, he feels.
He says that during Ministry formation in the State, the maximum representation given to the region in the Cabinet is a Minister of State rank. Repeated demands for making constitutional provisions to safeguard the interests of Ladakhis both politically and economically have fallen on deaf ears. ``Therefore, we are left with no option except to demand Union Territory status for Ladakh.''
He says that the Leh Hill Autonomous Council, formed in 1995 on the pattern of the Darjeeling Hill Council in West Bengal, has not been able to achieve its objectives as it is not given adequate authority to take decisions. Though the Chief Executive Officer of the council is a political authority and is elected by the people of Leh, he is only a figure head. The rift between the Deputy Commissioner, who is an administrative incharge of the region, and CEO is a constant source of irritation. ``The funds given by the Centre for us do not reach us and we have constantly to knock at the bureaucratic doors... The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, who is hundreds of miles away from us, controls the administration in Ladakh.''
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