KDA Announces Shutdown in Kargil Over Delay in Ladakh Constitutional Demands | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Thursday announced a complete shutdown in Kargil district and a peaceful protest march on March 16, accusing the Central Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs of delaying decisions on Ladakh’s constitutional demands.

Addressing a press conference in Kargil, leaders of the alliance said repeated meetings with the Union government have failed to produce concrete results, increasing public anxiety across Ladakh.

The alliance said the protest call aims to press for early resolution of demands including statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which they described as constitutional and legitimate demands of the people.

KDA leaders said a High Power Committee meeting held with the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 4 ended without any tangible outcome. According to them, the ministry had assured that another meeting of the sub-committee would be convened within 10 to 15 days, but no such meeting has taken place so far.

They said several rounds of discussions have already been held with the government, but each meeting has ended with assurances of further consultations while the core constitutional issues remain unresolved.

“If the present situation continues, the people will be compelled to come out on the streets and intensify their democratic protests to safeguard their rights,” the leaders said during the press conference.

Responding to questions from the media, KDA leader Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai said recent developments have created serious concerns among the people of Ladakh.

Karbalai said the alliance and the Apex Body Leh have jointly called for the shutdown and protest march to convey a clear message that the people of Ladakh will not accept any decision imposed without their consent.

According to the alliance, the protest march will begin at 1:30 PM on March 16 from Lal Chowk in Kargil and proceed towards the town’s main bus stand, where leaders will address the gathering.

The alliance has appealed to traders, social organisations, religious institutions and the general public to participate in the protest and ensure that business establishments remain closed across Kargil for the day.

Referring to previous protests in the region, KDA leaders recalled the events of September 26, when several individuals were injured during demonstrations and activists were detained. They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, proper medical treatment for the injured and compensation for the families of those who lost their lives.

Karbalai said the people of Ladakh remain united and determined to safeguard their constitutional rights and warned that any decision taken against the wishes of the local population would face strong democratic opposition.

The protest call comes amid growing political activity in Ladakh following recent administrative changes, including the appointment of Vinai Kumar Saxena as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory.

Locals have also expressed concern over what they describe as increased deployment of police personnel in parts of Ladakh, particularly in Kargil district, in recent days. [KNT]