Leh, June 24 : A complete shutdown was observed across Ladakh on Tuesday in response to a bandh call given by various religious bodies, with shops remaining closed in Leh, Kargil and several other areas. Thousands gathered at the Leh Polo Ground for a massive public rally to demand the rollback of the Union Territory administration’s new excise policy.
Leaders from different religious and social organisations alleged that the policy would lead to an expansion of liquor outlets and bars across Ladakh, which they said could adversely affect society. Addressing the gathering, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) President Chering Dorjay Lakrook accused the administration of introducing policies without considering public sentiment and warned against the alleged privatisation of the Power Development Department.
Lakrook also questioned the absence of the BJP from the rally and expressed dissatisfaction over the minutes of the May 22 meeting between Ladakh leaders and the Ministry of Home Affairs, claiming they did not reflect the decisions taken during the discussions.
Christian Association Leh President Dechen Chamba called for a thorough investigation into alleged Bible translation activities by outsiders, saying such acts could disturb communal harmony. The Ladakh Travel Trade Alliance also criticised the formation of several associations by the UT administration without consulting local stakeholders.
Prominent representatives from the Ladakh Gonpa Association, Anjuman Imamia, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, Christian Association, Ladakh Travel Trade Alliance and All Ladakh Goba Association addressed the gathering, reiterating their demand for greater public consultation on issues concerning Ladakh.
