KARGIL (Kashmir English): Amid growing discontent in Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) along with several trade bodies has announced a complete shutdown in Kargil district today (Thursday) to press their long-pending demands, including statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
According Kashmir Media Service, the decision was taken at an emergency meeting in Kargil on Wednesday.
KDA leaders said the shutdown call reflects frustration over New Delhi’s continued indifference towards Ladakh’s constitutional and developmental concerns.
“Our demands are genuine and cannot be ignored any longer. New Delhi’s dismissive attitude has left the people of Ladakh deeply unhappy,” the leaders declared.
The announcement comes after Leh witnessed a complete shutdown, protests, and violent clashes with Indian forces’ personnel.
Tensions flared in Leh Town when two women hunger strikers, part of the 35-day fast led by noted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, were shifted to hospital in critical condition.
Ladakh’s identity
A large number of people gathered at the protest site, expressing solidarity and reiterating that Ladakh’s identity, land rights, and employment opportunities must be protected through constitutional guarantees.
Today’s shutdown call in Kargil has already disrupted official programmes. The scheduled visit of Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on September 25 has reportedly been postponed in view of the tense atmosphere, while the Ladakh administration has cancelled the upcoming Ladakh Festival citing security concerns and widespread protest calls.
Observers noted that demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards have gained unprecedented momentum in recent months, with both Leh and Kargil-based organisations intensifying their agitation.
They said that with the latest strike call, protests in Ladakh are expected to escalate further unless New Delhi initiates serious dialogue and concedes to the people’s demands.
