The draft has become a key point of disagreement in its negotiations with Ladakh leaders.

The draft says: “As a legislative practice enshrined in the Constitution of India, every regulation (law) made by the UT Level Body would go to the Lt. Governor and would take effect after his assent.”

The October 15 draft proposes giving constitutional status to a Union Territory-level elected body through a new Article 371K, but envisages its law-making authority as powers to make “regulations” on specified subjects, with the institution itself and its functions to be provided through a Presidential regulation under Article 240.

According to Ladakh leaders, this marks a significant departure from the understanding recorded following negotiations on May 22, whose minutes were finalised and signed by representatives of the MHA and Ladakh on July 3.

More significantly, the draft provides for removal of members of the elected body by the LG for specified reasons such as conviction, insolvency, incapacity or conflict…