Centre Lists ‘Historic Safeguards’ To Ladakh Amid Protests, Points To Political Will To Resolve Concerns | Exclusive

Last Updated:September 25, 2025, 15:29 IST

Top government sources said from major recruitment reforms to deep cultural protections, the Centre’s approach has been grounded in dialogue, not confrontation

A police vehicle is set on fire during a protest by locals demanding statehood from the Indian government, in the Leh town, in the region of Ladakh, on Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo)

The Union government has undertaken an unprecedented series of measures to address the long-standing concerns of the people of Ladakh, demonstrating sustained political will, flexibility, and high-level engagement, top sources in the government told CNN-News18 amid violent protests for statehood that have left to four deaths.

The sources said from major recruitment reforms to deep cultural protections, the Centre’s approach has been grounded in dialogue, not confrontation.

The breakthrough came on May 27, when the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) reached a consensus with the High Powered Committee (HPC) of the Union government, resolving the region’s recruitment deadlock. The agreement was seen as proof that Ladakh’s complex and emotive issues can be addressed peacefully through structured engagement with the Centre.

Top government sources say the dialogue-centric strategy reflects a deliberate departure from confrontation politics, offering Ladakh a unique model of identity protection within the Indian Union.

Following the consensus, the President of India notified four major decisions in early June:

95 per cent job reservations for locals in Ladakh, including Scheduled Tribes and EWS

33 per cent women’s reservation in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)

A 15-year strict domicile rule to prevent dilution of Ladakhi identity

Official recognition of Ladakhi languages such as Bhoti, Purgi, Urdu, English, and Hindi, with additional support for Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi

According to officials, no other state or Union Territory in India enjoys such extensive protections—especially the over 85 per cent reservation for STs post-Indra Sawhney judgment, making Ladakh a legal and policy exception.

The progress follows a sustained engagement process. On May 28, the ABL-KDA delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where the Centre reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and lasting resolution of Ladakh’s concerns.

This was followed by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla’s visit to Ladakh (June 30–July 1), during which he held extensive consultations and assured flexibility on land and wildlife regulations—two issues that had triggered earlier protests.

The government also rolled out a special job recruitment drive in July, with a five-year age relaxation for local youth, further reflecting its intent to prioritise local employment and indigenous rights.

Beyond employment, the government’s approach has focused on preserving Ladakh’s unique culture and ensuring representation. The recognition of multiple local languages and rotational women’s reservation in the LAHDC reflects a model that seeks to balance tradition with progressive representation.

Sources say the ‘Ladakh-first’ framework is designed to ensure the region’s integration into national development without compromising its demographic or cultural identity.

However, they added that despite the Centre’s wide-ranging concessions and open channels of communication, some agitators, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, have abandoned dialogue in favour of street protests. Top government sources interpret this as a political tactic, noting that most original demands have been addressed or are in process.

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Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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