SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): National Conference leader and Indian Parliament member from Srinagar, Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, has emphasized that the people of Ladakh are now grappling with the fallout of the August 2019 decision that separated the region from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that their long-standing demands deserve earnest attention from the Indian government.
Ladakh people seek constitutional safeguards
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to reporters in Sonmarg, Ganderbal, Ruhullah highlighted that for over five years, the people of Ladakh peacefully called for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, but their legitimate appeals were ignored.
He said the recent protests and killings in Leh were being used in such a way to tarnish their movement.
“The unfortunate events in Leh are being misused to defame their struggle. Instead of addressing their aspirations, they are being maligned. It is unfair to brand patriots as anti-national. If the people of Ladakh wish to rejoin Jammu and Kashmir, we are with them. If they seek 6th Schedule protections, we are equally with them. The people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full support to Ladakh,” Ruhullah said.
Turning his criticism toward New Delhi, the NC leader lamented the Indian government’s disregard for popular voices.
“Those in power in Delhi care nothing for the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our demands go beyond statehood. We also want restoration of special status. When we raise these issues democratically, the least the government can do is listen,” he remarked.
Ruhullah also endorsed the recent statement by his party’s leader and IIOJK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who called for preventing the BJP from returning to power in the territory.
“It is important for us to ensure that the BJP does not come back to power in Jammu and Kashmir. People have given their mandate, and it must be respected,” he said.
