KDA to Launch Three-Day Hunger Strike From August 9 For Statehood Demand

SRINAGAR: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced a three-day hunger strike beginning August 9 to press for its longstanding demands for the implementation of the 6th Schedule in Ladakh and the restoration of statehood to the region.

Addressing a press conference, senior KDA leader and former legislator Asghar Ali Karbalai said the people of Ladakh are growing increasingly frustrated with the continued delay in starting a meaningful dialogue on the issue.

“Several high-ranking officials and political leaders from New Delhi have visited Ladakh over the past few years, but none of them have spoken about the 6th Schedule or the demand for statehood. This silence is unacceptable,” Karbalai said.

He further declared that people from across Kargil will gather at Kargil Chowk on August 9 and launch a three-day hunger strike to draw attention to their demands. “We are not going to tolerate this delay any longer. The assurances given to the people of Ladakh must translate into action,” he asserted.

The KDA, a joint platform of various political and religious groups in Kargil, has consistently demanded constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule to protect Ladakh’s land, culture, and employment rights. They have also demanded full-fledged statehood for Ladakh, which became a Kargil following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Karbalai called on the Government of India to take the aspirations of the people of Ladakh seriously and initiate formal dialogue without further delay. (KNT)