Leh: The Ladakh Administration has decided to withdraw cases against 25 individuals booked in connection with the September 24 incident, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said on Thursday, while briefing the media on key administrative, political and governance developments in the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference in Leh, Kundra said the 25 individuals were found to have had limited or no involvement in the incident. Necessary closure proceedings will be undertaken in accordance with law, he said.
The Chief Secretary, however, clarified that charge sheets have been filed against nine persons in cases where evidence was available. Proceedings in these cases will continue before the competent courts.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Ladakh Administration to address issues arising from the September 24 incident and engage with various stakeholders.
Kundra also provided an update on political developments, saying a recent meeting involving representatives of the Apex Body and KDA, including former LAHDC leadership, was held with representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Leh.
He said the Administration is working to schedule a formal meeting of the Ladakh Sub-Committee with the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi by or before the second week of September. The meeting is expected to discuss the demands and expectations placed before the Union Government and the broader framework being examined for Ladakh.
In another significant development, Kundra announced that preparations for Panchayat elections in Ladakh have commenced. The State Election Commission will undertake the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, followed by formal notification and other statutory processes.
The Chief Secretary said strengthening grassroots democracy remains an important priority and the Administration would coordinate with the competent authorities to complete the required electoral processes at the earliest.
On recruitment, Kundra said 1,340 of the 1,609 advertised posts under the administrative recruitment process have been filled, while another 314 vacancies have been filled through the Departmental Promotion Committee process.
Recruitment to 302 Group B and Group C posts has been advertised, while the recruitment process for around 1,205 posts is expected to be taken forward in the coming weeks. Recruitment for 40 Sub-Inspector posts has also been initiated, with notifications for Teachers and Police Constables expected shortly.
He further said 224 gazetted vacancies have been notified through UPSC, including 125 Medical Officer posts, with interviews expected to commence next month.
On Nautor land, Kundra announced that the Lieutenant Governor has decided to regularise long-pending Nautor land tenancy rights, including cases involving unauthorised allotments. Draft rules for a one-time regularisation process have been prepared, with LAHDCs proposed to be authorised to implement the process.
The draft guidelines will be placed in the public domain for suggestions and objections before finalisation. Eligible Nautor land being used for commercial purposes, including hotels, shops and other establishments, will also be eligible for conversion of title on payment of prescribed land-use charges and applicable dues.
The Chief Secretary said the Administration was also working on land-use reforms, including a mechanism allowing eligible landowners to use agricultural land for permissible non-agricultural purposes. A dedicated portal is being developed to make the process transparent and accessible.
He said Ladakh now has seven districts, with administrative infrastructure and manpower being strengthened to improve delivery of public services.
On tourism, Kundra said the sector has been brought within the ambit of industrial units. Registered hotels, guest houses, resorts and homestays will be charged electricity at the industrial tariff under a joint regulatory notification issued by the Power Department.
He also highlighted the 4 per cent reservation for meritorious sportspersons and measures to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote sporting talent in Ladakh.
Kundra said the Administration remains committed to transparent governance, administrative reforms, timely implementation of decisions and continued engagement with the people and stakeholders of Ladakh.
