The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which comprises social and religious groups, and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) called off a march planned for Wednesday to support shepherds in border areas of Ladakh who are losing pasture land to industrialisation and alleged Chinese encroachment.
Climate activist Wangchuk, who has been campaigning for various causes, including statehood for Ladakh, said that the march had been planned to ascertain if pastures in the region were being taken over by industries and whether any Indian land had been taken over by China.
"We decided to call off the Pashmina March for the second time due to over-reaction by the administration," said Wangchuk while addressing the media.
The LAB and KDA have also been campaigning for Ladakh's statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Wangchuk, backed by other LAB leaders, including its co-chairman Chering Dorjay, stated that the administration due to unknown reason did not permit them to conduct the foot march and instead advised them to travel to the region in vehicles.
"Going there in automobiles will not help our aim because we want to demonstrate the truth by meeting our shepherds,” he added.
He said the leaders were planning to go there in a small group of a dozen individuals at a time, and expected the government to facilitate their visit to show the outside world that the shepherds were not facing any problems.
Initially, the march was supposed to take place on April 7, however, due to security concerns the authorities imposed section 144 in Ladakh. Following this, the agitating bodies had to postpone it to April 17.
"By not facilitating our march, all our questions have been answered by the administration," added Wangchuk.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution meant for tribal communities enables the formation of autonomous development councils that administer these regions and have the authority to create laws on land, forest management, and agriculture.
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