Ladakh leaders warn of intensifying agitation over core demands
Leh: Leaders from the Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have warned of intensifying their agitation if their core demands, including statehood and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule of Indian constitution, are not addressed.
According to Kashmir Media Service, leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), alliances comprising various political, social, trade and religious groups from Leh and Kargil districts, met in Leh to chalk out future strategy on their four-point demands. These include statehood (with legislature), 6th Schedule status, separate Public Service Commission and two Lok Sabha seats (one each for Leh and Kargil).
During the meeting, both bodies unanimously adopted a resolution outlining their stance for future talks with the Indian government. The resolution reaffirmed that Statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule must remain the core agenda during the forthcoming dialogue with New Delhi. The resolution also resolved that “MHA [Indian Ministry of Home Affairs] should not dictate, interfere with or prescribe the composition of LAB and KDA’s High Powered Committee as well as sub-committee.”
The resolution was endorsed by 18 members, including LAB co-Chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Sonam Wangchuk, KDA co-Chairmen Asgar Ali Karbalai and Qamar Ali, activist Sajjad Kargili, and representatives of religious organisations and students’ bodies.
Speaking to media, Asgar Ali Karbalai said the leaders have decided to intensify their agitation if New Delhi continues to delay action. “The strategy and action for intensifying the agitation will be decided by the leaders of KDA and LAB,” he said.
Karbalai also condemned the recent cancellation of land allotted to Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) by the Ladakh administration, calling it “witch-hunting on the behest of the MHA.” He warned that such actions will not be tolerated and are being firmly rejected by the joint leadership.
Stressing on dialogue, Karbalai said, “We believe in talks. It should not be considered as our weakness but talks should be held with respect and on agenda.”
The talks between Ladakh leaders and the Indian govt have remained stalled since May 27.
The KDA and LAB have previously held a series of protests and sit-ins in Ladakh, Jammu and Delhi to press the Indian govt to fulfil their demands.
