Ladakh Marches in Frigid Cold for Statehood, Urgent Appeals Amidst Shutdown

Ladakh Marches in Frigid Cold for Statehood, Urgent Appeals Amidst Shutdown

Asif Iqbal | February 4, 2024 | 09:16 PM IST | Ladakh, Protests | Follow on Google News

Ladakh Marches in Frigid Cold for Statehood, Urgent Appeals Amidst Shutdown.image/ANI

Ladakh Marches in Frigid Cold for Statehood, Urgent Appeals Amidst Shutdown

In the midst of severe cold conditions, a significant march unfolded in Ladakh with a fervent appeal for statehood. Despite the harsh weather, a multitude of individuals participated in the march held in Leh, the main city, passionately echoing demands for Ladakh’s statehood and the application of the 6th Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory.

The shutdown in the region was orchestrated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Notably, the central government had earlier formed a high-level committee led by Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, aimed at safeguarding Ladakh’s distinctive culture and language.

Haji Ghulam Mustafa, the Legal Adviser of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, conveyed to ANI that the region’s powers, previously oriented towards the people, have weakened since Ladakh became a Union Territory. He emphasized the absence of representation in the Assembly, underscoring their longstanding demand for the people of Ladakh to have a voice in the Assembly and to attain statehood. Mustafa highlighted the strategic importance of Ladakh and likened it to the Northeast states, advocating for the implementation of the 6th schedule to preserve its culture.

In articulating the concerns, Mustafa mentioned the lack of gazetted job openings since Ladakh’s transition to a Union Territory, contrasting it with Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing recruitment. Urgent appeals were made for the establishment of a dedicated Public Service Commission for Ladakh. The region’s residents observed a complete shutdown, intending to convey a resounding message to the corridors of power in Delhi regarding the imperative need for the empowerment of Ladakh.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir underwent a bifurcation, resulting in the formation of two Union Territories – Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.