Ladakh Protesters Rally for Statehood, Sixth Schedule Protection in Kargil and Leh | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Thousands of people staged simultaneous peaceful protests in Kargil and Leh on Monday, demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, in response to a joint call by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Apex Body Leh.

Despite observing fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, a large number of residents in Kargil participated in the demonstration, reflecting strong public support for the movement seeking constitutional safeguards and greater political autonomy for the region.

In Kargil, the protest march began from Lal Chowk and moved through the main market before culminating at the Kargil bus stand, where a public gathering was held. Protesters carried placards and banners bearing slogans such as “Grant full statehood to Ladakh,” “Include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule,” “Protect our culture and identity,” and “Hear our voice.”

Participants, including youth, elderly residents, women and children, raised slogans declaring unity among the people of Ladakh and asserting that both statehood and Sixth Schedule protections were their legitimate rights.

Meanwhile, a parallel demonstration was held in Leh district headquarters where thousands of residents gathered on the call of the Apex Body Leh. Protesters from different parts of Ladakh assembled in the town carrying banners and placards echoing similar demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region.

Speakers at the gatherings said the simultaneous protests in Kargil and Leh reflected a unified voice across Ladakh and highlighted growing public concern over the delay in addressing the region’s long-standing political and constitutional demands.

Addressing the rally in Kargil, KDA co-chairman Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai said the people of Ladakh were united and determined to continue their struggle until their demands were fulfilled.

“The government is trying different tactics to create divisions among the people of Ladakh in order to weaken our voice, but today’s historic march proves that we will not bow to any pressure or intimidation,” Karbalai said.

He also thanked residents of Zanskar for observing a shutdown and protests in response to the joint call, describing it as a sign of growing unity across the region.

Karbalai also expressed concern over alleged threats issued to participants of the Apex Body protest in Leh and urged authorities not to attempt to intimidate demonstrators.

“We are not afraid of threats. We have chosen our path and we will continue our struggle for our rights,” he said.

Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan, who also addressed the gathering, said the government must show seriousness in resolving Ladakh’s issues and initiate meaningful engagement with regional representatives.

“The people of Ladakh will continue their struggle for their legitimate demands, even if it requires sacrifices,” he said.

Without naming individuals, he criticized certain elements for allegedly acting against the interests of Ladakh and urged them to align themselves with the aspirations of the people.

Other speakers at the Kargil rally included representatives of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, the Merchant Association, student groups, Anjuman Sahib-e-Zaman and Anjuman Sufia Noorbakhshia, among others. All reiterated the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards, saying the movement would continue until the demands were met.

Authorities maintained a significant security presence during the demonstrations. The Deputy Commissioner (District Magistrate), senior officers of Ladakh Police and a large number of personnel were deployed in Kargil to ensure law and order.

Despite the large turnout, both protests in Kargil and Leh remained peaceful and concluded without any untoward incidents. [KNT]