A shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) disrupted daily life across Ladakh on Tuesday, as residents pressed for clarity from the Centre on constitutional safeguards and governance-related commitments made during recent discussions.
Markets, businesses and several public activities remained affected in both Leh and Kargil. In Leh, people also joined a protest rally to demand action on decisions discussed between Ladakh representatives and a subcommittee of the Union home ministry.
Despite the disruption, authorities said the situation remained peaceful. “Everything is under control,” Hindustan Times quoted Leh superintendent of police Shri Ram as saying.
Protest linked to pending assurances
LAB and KDA said the strike was called after concerns emerged over the outcome of talks held with the Centre. According to the organisations, discussions on May 22 covered a proposed democratic framework for Ladakh that would include legislative, executive and financial powers. The talks also reportedly addressed constitutional protections on the lines of safeguards available to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram through a proposed Article 371K.
Also Read | First India-built C295 to join IAF, marking private sector breakthrough
Explaining the reason behind the protest, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Larkuk said, “When we saw that the decisions from June 22 meeting were not properly reflected in the minutes of the minutes, we refused to sign the document and sought its rectification which never came.”
He added that representatives of LAB and KDA later met on June 19 and decided to launch a protest over what they described as omissions in the official record of discussions.
Centre says talks have made progress
A senior government officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said discussions between the Centre and Ladakh stakeholders have moved forward positively.
“MHA has been actively engaged with the Ladakh people. The talks have progressed significantly. The outcomes of the 22nd May sub-committee meeting are very positive and welcomed by all stakeholders in Ladakh. We are committed to provide constitutional safeguards and would take concrete steps in consultation with people of Ladakh.”
Also Read | Delhi-NCR weather takes dramatic turn with dust storm and rain alert
Demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule protection
Since Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a Union Territory in 2019, local groups have repeatedly sought statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. The demand has remained a key political issue in the region, with organisations arguing that stronger protections are needed to safeguard Ladakh's interests and identity.
FAQs:
Why did Leh and Kargil observe a shutdown?
The shutdown was called to protest the alleged delay in implementing constitutional safeguards and governance-related assurances for Ladakh.
What are Ladakh groups demanding from the Centre?
They are seeking constitutional safeguards, greater autonomy, and statehood-like protections for the Union Territory.
