Shutdown and Rally in Leh; Demands Statehood and Sixth Schedule for Ladakh

Shutdown and Rally in Leh; Demands Statehood and Sixth Schedule for Ladakh

VoM News Desk | March 7, 2024 | 08:31 PM IST | Ladakh (Union Territory), Leh | Follow on Google News

Shutdown and Rally in Leh; Demands Statehood and Sixth Schedule for Ladakh

Shutdown and Rally in Leh; Demands Statehood and Sixth Schedule for Ladakh

Shutdown and Rally in Leh: Leh district experiences a complete shutdown and rally as discussions between Ladakh’s leaders and the Ministry of Home Affairs yield no progress.

In the Union Territory of Ladakh, Leh district witnessed a widespread shutdown, accompanied by a rally and an indefinite fast initiated by prominent educationist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk. This action follows an inconclusive meeting between sub-committee members, including representatives from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi.

Unyielding Demands and Protest

Religious organizations called for the shutdown to protest the denial of Sixth Schedule status and other demands put forth by LAB and KDA to the Home Ministry. During the shutdown, all shops and business establishments remained closed. Residents took to the streets in a rally, expressing their demands for Statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and a dedicated Public Service Commission (PSC) for Ladakh.

LAB and KDA leaders, including Sonam Wangchuk, announced plans to consult the people of Ladakh on the next course of action. Wangchuk commenced an indefinite fast after addressing the gathering at NDS Stadium alongside LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey Lakruk.

Stalemate in Talks and Disappointment

Negotiations between Ladakh’s civil society leaders and the Centre hit a roadblock after a six-member delegation from the Union Territory failed to secure assurances from Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The talks aimed at addressing key demands, including statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, concluded without a breakthrough.

Former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang, leading the discussions, expressed disappointment after meeting Shah, noting that the Home Minister firmly rejected the possibility of granting statehood or guarantees within the Sixth Schedule. Chering Dorjay Lakruk, Senior Vice President of Ladakh Buddhist Association, emphasized Shah’s stance, indicating that the dialogue reached an impasse.

Government’s Position and Uncertain Future

In response, the Home Ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to providing constitutional safeguards, underscoring ongoing discussions within the High-Powered Committee on Ladakh. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the uncertainty looms over Ladakh’s future trajectory. The LAB and KDA’s persistent demands and the escalating protests reflect the growing discontent and urgency for meaningful solutions.

VoM News Desk

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