Discontent growing in Ladakh due to New Delhi’s neglect, warns Kargil leader
Remembers September 24 as a black day in region’s history
Kargil: Public unease is steadily growing across Ladakh due to the ongoing neglect and repeated breaches of promises by the BJP-led Indian government concerning the region’s core constitutional demands, with Ladakhi leaders warning that the peaceful movement for justice will continue until their legitimate rights are granted.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a media interview, Kargil Democratic Alliance Co-Chairman Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai expressed growing frustration of the people of Ladakh. He said that for the past six years, Ladakhi representatives, under the leadership of the Leh Apex Body and the KDA, have engaged in a sustained and peaceful struggle. From the outset, Karbalai emphasized, the only acceptable path forward was through dialogue. However, he added, the Indian government’s continuous neglect and repeated failure to honor its commitments have forced Ladakhi people to resort to protests, sit-ins, and agitations to make their voices heard.
Karbalai expressed concern over Modi govt’s half-hearted approach towards crucial issues including reservation and employment. He criticized the ongoing outsourcing and contract systems for gazetted posts, particularly in the higher education sector, describing the practice unacceptable amid the region’s alarming levels of unemployment. The concerns of educated youth were not being addressed with the seriousness they deserve, he said.
Referring to September 24 as a “black day” in Ladakh’s history, Karbalai said four youths were killed, over 90 injured and more than 70 arrested on that day when Indian forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. He also note that several innocent individuals remain in jail, including prominent Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been detained under the draconian National Security Act for over 100 days, despite his decdes of service to education and environmental causes.
Karbalai said the LAB and KDA had, in their very first meeting with the government, demanded the unconditional release of all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, along with dignified and adequate compensation for the families of those killed and the injured. He maintained that unrest in Ladakh would persist until these demands were met.
He further said that after September 24, the government had sought a joint written draft from the LAB and KDA on Sixth Schedule status and statehood, which was submitted within the stipulated timeframe. However, despite assurances that another meeting would be held within three days, no further talks have taken place even after one and a half months. He described Delhi’s silence on the matter as a serious test of public patience.
Karbalai warned against any assumption that the people of Ladakh could be subdued. He also cautioned against attempts by certain elements to create divisions between Ladakh’s Buddhists and Muslims, or between Kargil and Leh, urging locals to remain united against any conspiracy aimed at weakening the region’s collective voice.
The KDA leader concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the people of Ladakh to their peaceful movement, stressing that it will persise until their constitutional and lawful rights are fully secured.
