New Delhi, February 17, 2023 (PPI-OT):Two frontal organizations from Ladakh – Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) – have threatened to intensify their agitation if the Narendra Modi-led Indian government does not pay heed to their demands. Environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, speaking at a press conference in Delhi on behalf of KDA and LAB, the two amalgams of social, religious, and political groups from the districts of Kargil and Leh respectively, said democracy has been compromised in Ladakh and the local people have no say in decision-making.
“There is no participation of people anymore in how the budget allocated to us is spent. The Autonomous Hill Council has also been weakened, and the issue of statehood is of utmost importance to the people of Ladakh,” Wangchuk said. Sajjad Hussain, an activist and KDA leader from Kargil, said Ladakh is going through a crisis, and urgent attention is needed. He maintained the administration has been left to New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor and bureaucrats, who are not accountable to the people of Ladakh. “There have been several protests in Ladakh over the last two years, we will intensify protests if our demands are not met,” he said.
Both Wangchuk and Sajjad Hussain also said that their voices are being stifled by police action. “If any student protests in Kargil, police action is initiated. Last year some youths protested on a land-related matter. They were called by the police,” Hussain said. “There is no space left for dissent. There is no accountability,” Wangchuk said, adding there is no democracy left in the whole structure. If someone writes something on social media, action is taken.”
The two bodies from Kargil and Leh are demanding statehood for Ladakh, sixth schedule under Indian Constitution, job reservation, a separate public service commission for Ladakh, and two parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
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