The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), one of two bodies negotiating with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) over Ladakh’s future, on Saturday termed the Centre’s draft governance proposal for the Union Territory an “empty draft” and rejected it, accusing the Centre of “murdering democracy” in Ladakh.

This comes a week after a subcommittee comprising members of the KDA and Apex Body Leh (ABL) met MHA officials to discuss greater democratic representation for the region. Talks have since stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili reiterated the allegations, saying: “We were hoping that the MHA would form its draft based on the minutes of the meeting that we had signed.…