Kargil, Aug 09: A three-day hunger strike commenced in Kargil on Saturday morning as the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) intensified their agitation over the Centre’s delay in addressing demands for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The protest at Hussani Park also calls for separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil and the creation of a public service commission for the Union Territory.
The strike follows growing discontent among Ladakh’s political representatives, who accuse the central government of stalling the next round of talks despite earlier assurances.
KDA and LAB, spearheading the movement for the past five years, have engaged in multiple discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ high-powered committee but claim core issues remain unaddressed.Large banners at the venue read “Together, we can build a future where Ladakh governs Ladakh,” while placards carried by protesters demanded an end to “colonial treatment” and the restoration of democracy. Supporters chanted slogans as the hunger strike began, signalling renewed determination in the ongoing struggle.
KDA Co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai criticised the absence of substantive dialogue on statehood and Sixth Schedule provisions. He recalled that in May, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and the home secretary had promised talks would begin the following month, but no discussions have taken place. Karbalai alleged deliberate delays, stating that such inaction had forced them into this protest phase. He warned that the agitation could escalate if the government continues to ignore their demands, with the KDA-LAB core committee set to decide the next steps. “The entire Ladakh is prepared for this movement,” he said.
KDA leader Sajjad Kargili echoed these concerns, accusing the government of breaking its promise for talks. Emphasising that the protest remains peaceful and democratic, he urged the immediate restoration of democratic governance in Ladakh and the implementation of Sixth Schedule safeguards promised to its people. The hunger strike will continue until Monday, with organisers indicating that the agitation may intensify if there is no government response.
