Leh and Kargil Witness Complete Shutdown and Protest March Over Statehood Demands

Leh and Kargil Witness Complete Shutdown and Protest March Over Statehood Demands

Asif Iqbal | February 4, 2024 | 09:41 AM IST | Ladakh (Union Territory), Protests | Follow on Google News

Leh and Kargil Witness Complete Shutdown and Protest March Over Statehood Demands.image/RK

Leh and Kargil Witness Complete Shutdown and Protest March Over Statehood Demands

Leh and Kargil districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh observed a complete shutdown on Saturday, accompanied by a protest march in Leh district. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) jointly called for a ‘Leh Chalo’ demonstration, urging residents to gather and voice their demands. These demands include the grant of statehood to Ladakh, implementation of the 6th Schedule, job reservations for locals, and dedicated parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.

The twin districts experienced widespread closures, as shops, businesses, and offices remained shuttered, leading to disruptions in transport services. This synchronized action is aimed at highlighting the urgent concerns raised by LAB and KDA. Sajjad Kargili, a prominent socio-political activist and member of KDA, expressed the determination of the people in Leh despite harsh cold conditions. He mentioned that the gathering in Leh was marching to demand statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and employment opportunities through the Public Service Commission.

Simultaneously, the Union Home Ministry extended an invitation to civil society leaders from the region for the second round of a high-powered committee dialogue scheduled for February 19. The committee, led by Minister of State (Home) Nityanand Rai, was reconstituted on November 30 of the previous year. This move came after the rejection of the initial committee formed in January 2023 by LAB and KDA.

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.