congress-challenges-modi-to-deliver-on-ladakh-statehood-promise

The Congress on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to fulfil his promise of granting statehood to Ladakh and ensuring self-governance for its people.

 

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister's commitment to his assurances made to the people of Ladakh regarding their demand for statehood and self-governance.

 

क्योंकि आज प्रधानमंत्री ने अपनी भूटान फोटो-ऑप्स (फ़ोटो बाज़ी) को स्थगित कर दिया है, हमें उम्मीद है कि वह लद्दाख के लिए कुछ समय निकाल सकते हैं। मोदी सरकार लद्दाख में नौकरशाही के माध्यम से अपना शासन चला रही है, जिसने निर्वाचन के स्थानीय संस्थानों का मज़ाक बनाकर रख दिया है।
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— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 21, 2024

 

Referring to Modi's scheduled visit to Bhutan, which was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, Ramesh expressed hope that the Prime Minister would address the concerns of the people of Ladakh instead.

 

Since February 3rd, when Ladakh witnessed a complete shutdown by locals protesting against what they perceive as the Modi government's bureaucratic rule, there has been ongoing unrest in the region, Ramesh noted. 

 

Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk's advocacy has brought attention to the plight of the people of Ladakh, he added.

 

Ramesh posed a series of questions to the Prime Minister, highlighting the demands of Ladakh's residents for constitutional safeguards, including statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

 

The Congress leader pointed out that the BJP had promised Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule in its election manifestos.

 

The Congress leader also raised concerns about the absence of a representative government for Ladakh since the dissolution of the BJP-PDP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018. 

 

He condemned the Modi government's decision to convert Ladakh into a separate Union Territory without a legislative assembly in August 2019, alleging lack of consultation with the local populace.

 

Furthermore, Ramesh accused the Modi government of neglecting the encroachment of prime pasture land in Ladakh's Changtang plains by China. 

 

He questioned the government's stance on Chinese aggression and criticised proposed industrial land allotment policies that lack transparency and public consultation.

 

Ramesh questioning the government's motives behind such policies, suggesting they may prioritise industrial interests over the well-being of Ladakh's people. 

 

He used the hashtag "#ChuppiTodoPradhanMantriji" to underscore the need for the Prime Minister to break his silence on these issues.