Protest in Kargil for Ladakh statehood, inclusion in 6th Schedule

SRINAGAR: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan among many people took part in a protest rally at the end three-day hunger strike in Kargil Monday, seeking statehood for the UT and its inclusion in Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for a degree of autonomy.

Describing the fresh agitation as a historic day for Ladakh’s movement, Wangchuk accused Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta of plotting to arrest him. “My well-wishers told me that I will be charged with sedition. When I didn’t fear sitting on a hunger strike at minus 40 degrees at Khardung La Pass, why should I fear jail. It will only strengthen the Ladakhi agitation,” he said.

Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) organised the march in protest against the alleged delay in resuming the dialogue process by the Centre to discuss the demands of the Ladakh people. KDA functionaries warned of serious consequences if any of their members and Wangchuk were arrested. It was the first such protest march since Gupta entered LG office on July 18.

On Jan 2, 2023, Union home ministry set up a high-powered committee to address key issues in Ladakh. The last round of talks, held on May 27, led to the introduction of a domicile policy for Ladakh with a 15-year eligibility period starting from 2019.

Since the abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5, 2019, and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of J&K into two UTs, Ladakh has seen many political agitations seeking statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in Sixth Schedule.