‘Centre not against statehood ask’

Kavinder Gupta, 65, who took oath as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh last week, is the first political figure to hold the top job since the strategic region was carved out as a Union Territory from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state in August 2019.

- Ravi Khajuria

In a telephonic interview with Hindustan Times, Gupta, a former deputy chief minister of J&K, listed bringing Ladakh on the world map for tourism, addressing unemployment and boosting infrastructure as his priorities, exuding confidence in his ability to deal with a longstanding demand for statehood and Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Edited excerpts:

You have been appointed at a time when the people of Ladakh are demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (that deals with the administration of tribal areas). Though the Centre has the last word on both issues, how are you going to address these sensitive issues?

Talks are already on. The Centre is not against their demands but a decision will be made after careful thought. The Centre has already given them five new districts, with the count (of dis-

tricts) now at seven. With requisite funds, the region will see all-round development. I will take the people of Ladakh into confidence and work for them.