SRINAGAR: Leh district in the Union Territory of Ladakh witnessed a complete shutdown, followed by a rally and fast initiated by educationist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk, as discussions between the UT’s twin bodies and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) yielded no progress.
The shutdown occurred two days following an inconclusive meeting between sub-committee members, including leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi, resulting in no positive outcome.
All shops and business establishments remained closed in response to a call issued by religious organisations on Wednesday, protesting the denial of Sixth Schedule status and other demands raised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to the Home Ministry.
Residents took to the streets, participating in a rally to demand Statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and a dedicated Public Service Commission (PSC) for Ladakh.
LAB and KDA leaders announced plans to consult the people of Ladakh on the next course of action. Sonam Wangchuk and LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey Lakruk addressed the gathering at NDS Stadium, after which Wangchuk commenced an indefinite fast.
Negotiations between Ladakh’s civil society leaders and the Centre hit a roadblock on March 4, after a six-member delegation from the Union Territory failed to secure assurances from Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The talks, aimed at addressing key demands including statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, ended without a breakthrough.
Former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang, spearheading the discussions, expressed disappointment after meeting Shah, stating that the Home Minister firmly rejected the possibility of granting statehood or guarantees within the Sixth Schedule. Senior Vice President of Ladakh Buddhist Association, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, highlighted Shah’s stance, indicating that the dialogue reached an impasse.
The Home Ministry, in a statement, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing constitutional safeguards, underscoring ongoing discussions within the High-Powered Committee on Ladakh. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the uncertainty looms over Ladakh’s future trajectory.
