Kargil protests against BJP govt’ disregard for Ladakh’s rights
Kargil: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) organized a protest rally to denounce the BJP-led Indian government for neglecting the rights of the people in the Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the rally garnered widespread support from various political, religious, and social organizations throughout Kargil. Protesters vocally condemned the Indian government’s actions, particularly the detention of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and other Ladakhis who had marched from Ladakh to Delhi to advocate for their rights, including statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
Nasir Munshi, President of the District Congress Committee in Kargil and a councillor in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), emphasized, “We will continue to demand the safeguarding of constitutional rights for Ladakh.” He urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage sincerely with the people of Ladakh to address their grievances.
This protest follows a complete shutdown across Ladakh on October 1, called jointly by the KDA and the Leh Apex Body (LAB). The shutdown, which saw widespread participation, paralyzed daily life, with shops closed, transport services halted, and businesses shut down. This action was a response to the detention of Wangchuk and others during their “Delhi Chalo” march.
Protesters in Kargil expressed their outrage over the detentions, viewing them as a violation of their democratic rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. The KDA condemned these actions as “a blatant violation of our fundamental rights” and called for unity among Ladakhis in their quest for justice.
The KDA and LAB continue to advocate for their four-point agenda, which includes demands for statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, job protection for local youth, and the preservation of Ladakh’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.
