Newly elected MP Mohammad Hanifa Jan of Ladakh has made his primary objectives clear - to demand Ladakh's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and its statehood.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday, Jan who contested as an Independent after resigning from the National Conference, affirmed his intention to advocate for these issues with leaders from the National Democratic Alliance and the INDIA bloc.
Reflecting on the unique dynamics of the recent elections in Ladakh, Jan noted a departure from traditional religious and regional voting patterns and focus solely on substantive issues.
Since becoming a UT post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh has witnessed sustained protests for constitutional safeguards and full statehood.
The four-point agenda, jointly advanced by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, includes demands for a separate public service commission, two Lok Sabha seats (one for each district), and addressing grievances against the Union Territory administration.
Despite these demands being rejected by the Home Ministry before the elections, there was a groundswell of support for these issues.
Regarding his future strategy, Jan said, "I will approach all parties of the INDIA bloc and the NDA. If needed, I will take the grievances of Ladakh directly to the people of India."
When asked about his recent meeting with INDIA Bloc he said, "The meeting with Rahul Gandhi was good. We shared the demands of the people of Ladakh in detail, and asked how far they can support us.”
After meeting the INDIA bloc leadership, he said he would also meet government representatives and hope that they took note of the concerns of the people of Ladakh and address them.
Jan said his stance as an Independent MP and his commitment to the newly formed Ladakh Democratic Alliance remained embedded in securing statehood for Ladakh to exercise self-governance.
Acknowledging challenges beyond political status, Jan highlighted unemployment as a pressing concern and advocated for development initiatives such as an airport in Kargil and the restoration of the old pension scheme.
Jan concluded by affirming his resolve to stay independent and continue advocating for Ladakh's interests on the national stage, asserting, "We want Ladakhis to govern Ladakh and determine our future."
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