The Union Home Ministry’s proposal, which was rejected by civil society bodies, involved constitutional amendments and subsequent regulations for a directly elected U.T.-level body, says an official; meaningful negotiations require mutual trust, says Chief Secretary

The two developments may come across unrelated, but indicates the Centre’s fresh approach to address the demands of the region at various levels; next round of talks on October 22 in New Delhi

Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the move was significant as it would bring justice closer to the people of the Union Territory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated five development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, including a new Leh airport terminal and the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, and said proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu were being advanced