The Leh district of Ladakh on Saturday witnessed a massive protest rally, driven by the fervent demands of locals. These demands encompass a spectrum of critical issues, including the pursuit of separate statehood for Ladakh, incorporation into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure tribal status, the reservation of jobs for residents, and the equitable allocation of parliamentary seats for both Leh and Kargil.
The locals observed a complete shutdown in the region as protesters, holding placards, demonstrated against the central government's recent decision to maintain Ladakh as a Union Territory without legislation," said a local protester.
"Ever since Ladakh has become a UT, Apex body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have had a demand on the four-point agenda. All our powers which were people-centric, have weakened," locals said.
Haji Ghulam Mustafa, the legal adviser of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, while highlighting the importance of these demands said “Our demands are genuine, and added “There is no representation of the Ladakh in the parliament, since the abrogation of Article 370, and transition of the Ladakh into UT.
Mustafa further added, “That political representation plays an important role in addressing the concerns of the region.”
"When we were a part of Jammu and Kashmir, we had four members in the assembly and two in the legislative council. Now we have no representation in the assembly," he said.
"The protests are for the people of Ladakh as they feel excluded and nonexistent with the current setup in the region." he further added.
As of now, Ladakh is administered directly by the central government, locals are aghast over the announcement that states “Ladakh will remain a UT without legislation for the indefinite period.”
These protests have come amid ongoing discussions at a high-level committee chaired by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, engaging with representatives from both Leh and Kargil.
The committee has been tasked with addressing the grievances put forth by these regions, as they strive for equitable representation and recognition within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
The memorandum submitted by the protesters highlights the disparity in treatment, particularly in light of recent judgments indicating the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, while Ladakh remains designated as a Union Territory.
Drawing parallels with states like Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and others, the memorandum advocates for the extension of protective measures under the Sixth Schedule and Article 371 of the Constitution to safeguard the interests of Ladakh's diverse tribal communities.
Highlighting the need for institutional support, the memorandum underscores the necessity of a Ladakh Public Service Commission to address the limited opportunities for gazetted posts available to the region's students.
Furthermore, it includes a draft bill aimed at amending The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, advocating for the provision of two parliamentary seats – one each for Leh and Kargil – along with the hope for representation in the Rajya Sabha, mirroring precedents set by states like Sikkim.
The grievances voiced through these protests highlight a collective call for recognition, representation, and empowerment, as the people of Ladakh strive to assert their identity and secure their rightful place within the democratic fabric of the nation.
Ladakh was transformed into a Union Territory without a legislature following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, alongside the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.
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