Kargil: A protest rally was organized by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to voice opposition against the neglect of the Ladakh region’s rights by the BJP-led Indian government.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstration saw participation from various political, religious, and social organizations within Kargil. The protesters voiced strong objections to the Indian government’s policies, highlighting the detention of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and others who had undertaken a march from Ladakh to Delhi seeking rights such as statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
Nasir Munshi, President of the District Congress Committee in Kargil and councillor in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, declared a commitment to continue advocating for Ladakh’s constitutional rights. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to earnestly engage with the Ladakhi people to resolve their issues.
The event followed a complete shutdown across Ladakh on October 1, initiated by the KDA along with the Leh Apex Body. The shutdown led to the cessation of daily activities as shops and businesses closed, and transport services were suspended. This was in response to the detention of Wangchuk and others during their “Delhi Chalo” march.
Participants at the Kargil protest condemned the detentions as breaches of their rights to peaceful assembly and expression. The KDA denounced these actions as severe violations of fundamental rights and advocated for solidarity among the Ladakhi population in their pursuit of justice.
Continuing their advocacy, the KDA and the Leh Apex Body persist in promoting a four-point agenda that calls for statehood, constitutional guarantees under the Sixth Schedule, employment protection for local youth, and the preservation of the unique cultural and environmental heritage of Ladakh.