Leh, June 20, 2026: The Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have issued an appeal to the Central government and the Union Territory administration, announcing a region-wide bandh in Ladakh on June 23 over pending constitutional and political demands.

The announcement follows concerns raised by the leadership over the outcome of a sub-committee meeting held under the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi on May 22. Leaders alleged that key points agreed upon during the meeting were not adequately reflected in the official minutes released later.

A crucial meeting of the joint core committee of Apex Body Leh and KDA was held in Leh recently, followed by a joint press conference where leaders outlined their concerns and future course of action.

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Addressing the media, Apex Body Leh Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk, KDA Co-Chairman Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai, and Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Haneefa Jan said the meeting extensively discussed Ladakh’s current political situation, constitutional safeguards, administrative powers, and the future democratic framework for the region.

According to the leaders, there was a broad consensus during the May 22 meeting on establishing a democratic and administrative structure for Ladakh that would grant legislative, executive, and financial powers to local representatives, along with ensuring decentralisation of authority to grassroots levels. They also claimed that the proposal aimed to strengthen local representation and decision-making in administrative matters.

However, they expressed concern that these crucial aspects were either omitted or insufficiently reflected in the official meeting minutes. They further noted that no final draft or formal document has been presented by the government so far.

The leaders also raised concerns over the lack of clarity regarding legal and administrative powers for Ladakh’s residents, job security, the role of higher bureaucracy, and constitutional safeguards.

Accusing the government of adopting a delaying approach, they said that people of Ladakh have been waiting for resolution of their political and constitutional demands for the past six years, with little tangible progress despite repeated rounds of dialogue.

Announcing the June 23 bandh, the leaders said that all business establishments in Leh and Kargil districts will remain closed as part of the protest. However, tourism-related activities, transport services, and the movement of tourists will be exempted to ensure that the sector is not adversely affected.

The leaders warned that if timely progress is not made on the agreed points, the scope of public protests may be expanded further. They urged the Central government and the UT administration to formalise the agreed proposals in writing and present them before the public at the earliest to address growing concerns and provide clarity on Ladakh’s future political and administrative framework.