Thousands of people marched in Kargil district, Ladakh, on Wednesday, demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This protest came after talks on March 4 between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs failed to resolve the issue of statehood.
During the protest, shops and businesses remained closed as people voiced their demands. Ladakh, which became a union territory (UT) after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, lacks a legislative assembly unlike Jammu and Kashmir, which is also a UT but has a legislature.
In November, a high-powered panel chaired by MoS Home Nityanand Rai was formed to address Ladakh's concerns. However, discussions have stalled over the issue of statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. These demands are part of a four-point agenda presented by the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.
The protest also showed support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began a fast unto death in Leh on March 6 after failed talks with the Centre. Wangchuk emphasized the need for democracy in Ladakh and urged the government to address their demands.
Overall, the protest highlights the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues in Ladakh, particularly regarding its political status and representation.
