SRINAGAR: A complete shutdown was observed across Ladakh on Tuesday in response to a bandh call jointly given by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), affecting normal life in both Leh and Kargil districts.
Markets, business establishments and commercial activities remained closed in several areas as people extended support to the shutdown call. However, transport services largely remained operational to minimise inconvenience to the public and tourists.
The bandh was called by LAB and KDA to protest what the organisations described as delays in implementing assurances made during a meeting with Union government representatives in New Delhi on May 22. The groups have also expressed dissatisfaction over what they termed the failure to accurately reflect agreed points in the official minutes of the meeting.
Leaders of the two organisations alleged that key issues concerning Ladakh’s political and constitutional future were either omitted or inadequately reflected in the official record of discussions, leading to growing mistrust among stakeholders in the region.
The agitation is linked to a set of long-pending demands pursued by LAB and KDA, including constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, protection of land and employment rights, greater local participation in governance, and other measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of the region’s residents.
The bandh call was announced following a meeting of the joint core committee of LAB and KDA, which expressed dissatisfaction over the outcome of recent engagements with the Centre and warned against further delays in addressing the concerns raised by Ladakh’s representatives.
Lukruk Dorjey, Chairman of the Leh Apex Body, described the shutdown as one of the most significant region-wide protests witnessed in Ladakh in recent months, reflecting continuing public concern over unresolved issues relating to governance, constitutional safeguards and regional representation.
There were no reports of any major untoward incident during the shutdown. [KNT]
