The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have rejected the Centre's draft, stating that it failed to meet their demands for constitutional safeguards and meaningful democratic governance.

The draft suggests a two-stage process involving a constitutional amendment and a subsequent regulation under Article 240 of the Constitution. The proposal envisages introducing a new constitutional provision, Article 371-K, specifically for Ladakh, followed by a separate regulation to define the functioning of the proposed institution.

Regarding safeguards for Ladakh, the proposed framework includes measures relating to land, natural resources, regional culture, and other concerns raised by Ladakh's representatives. However, the two organisations continue to demand a legislature with meaningful executive, legislative, and financial powers, along with constitutional protection for Ladakh, which has been the major cause of disagreement between the two sides.

The LAB and the KDA are scheduled to meet the Centre in New Delhi on 22 October to discuss their proposals and bridge differences, but the deadlock is likely to continue if the Centre is not willing to listen to the Ladakhi demands. The Centre must make concessions if it is sincere in finding a political solution to the issue.