Leh, Sep 11: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have withdrawn their demand for full statehood for Ladakh and are now seeking a full-fledged elected government within the existing Union Territory framework.

LAB chairman Chering Dorjey Lakruk said the two groups have abandoned the statehood demand and are instead seeking an elected Legislative Assembly with MLAs and a Chief Minister to head the administration.

“We have abandoned the demand for statehood,” Dorjey said, adding that the focus is now on securing greater legislative and executive powers for Ladakh within its existing status as a Union Territory.

He said the proposed arrangement should provide for an elected government headed by a Chief Minister, along with control over police and law and order.

The development comes amid ongoing discussions between the Centre and representatives of the LAB and KDA regarding Ladakh’s future governance structure.

The Centre has been considering a special constitutional framework for Ladakh, including an elected UT-level body. However, representatives of the two regional groups have been demanding broader powers for any elected institution.

Dorjey said the next round of talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives is scheduled to take place in the first week of October.

Control over police and law and order has remained one of the key issues in the discussions. Ladakh representatives have argued that an elected government would have limited authority if important areas of administration remained outside its jurisdiction.

The proposed framework remains under discussion, and the final structure, powers and responsibilities of any elected body in Ladakh are yet to be decided.