Protesters warn of intensified agitation at massive rally in Kargil
Kargil: A massive rally taken out after a three-day hunger strike in Kargil witnessed participation of thousands demanding statehood for Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Protesters also warned of intensifying their agitation against the BJP-led Indian government’s continued delaying tactics.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the hunger strike, which began on August 9, was jointly organized by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB), two prominent umbrella organizations in Ladakh leading the movement for the political and constitutional rights of Ladakh’s people.
The rally started from the venue of the hunger strike at Hussaini Park in Kargil town and was led by prominent figures from both the groups, including LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, KDA co-chairmen Asgar Ali Karbalai and Qamar Ali Akhoon, and Ladakh Member Parliament (MP) Mohammad Haneefa Jan.
Demonstrators, including religious leaders and civil society members, marched through Kargil chanting slogans in support of Ladakh’s four primary demands: full statehood for Ladakh, Sixth Schedule protection, a dedicated Public Service Commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
Protesters raised slogans such as “Hum bheek nahi, apna haq maangte hain” (We are not begging, we are demanding our rights), emphasizing the people’s firm stance on securing constitutional and political safeguards.
Upon returning to the rally venue, leaders addressed the crowd, stating that New Delhi was delaying promised dialogue and attempting to divide Ladakh’s people.
“This is a historic rally and a powerful message that the people of Ladakh are united in support of the four demands,” said Chering Dorjay. “While this fresh phase of protest has started in Kargil, it will not remain confined here. We will take it to every corner of Ladakh if the government continues to delay meaningful talks and address our concerns.” He said the government will try to divide the people of Ladakh but “we have to demonstrate unity which is key for the success of our struggle to safeguard our homeland”.
Echoing the sentiment, Asgar Ali Karbalai stated, “We have already decided to intensify our agitation. The government had promised a fresh round of talks within a month of our last meeting in May, but they have shown no seriousness in addressing our concerns.”
