LEH, JUNE 23: Normal life was disrupted across Ladakh on Tuesday following a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), with thousands taking part in a rally in Leh to press for what they termed a “credible dialogue” with the Centre.
Shops, business establishments and private institutions remained closed in most parts of the Union Territory, including Leh and Kargil, in response to the bandh call. Transport services, however, continued to operate as they were exempted from the strike in view of the ongoing tourist season.
The LAB and KDA, which have jointly spearheaded the agitation for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, accused the Centre of deepening the “trust deficit” by failing to adequately reflect key understandings reached during the May 22 talks in the official Minutes of Meeting.
The groups said the discussions had included proposals for a democratic structure with legislative, executive and financial powers for Ladakh, along with constitutional safeguards through a proposed Article 371K. They also claimed that it was agreed that the bureaucracy, including the Chief Secretary, would function under an executive led by the people of Ladakh.
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay alleged that the Centre had adopted delaying tactics and failed to make meaningful progress on Ladakh’s long-pending demands despite several rounds of talks since 2021. He said the shutdown was aimed at registering public protest against what he described as the Centre’s lack of sincerity and to seek faithful implementation of the understandings reached during negotiations.
Dorjay also criticised the functioning of the Union Territory administration and demanded the rollback of decisions related to liquor policy, land conversion laws, tourism reforms and other issues, alleging that they were taken without consulting the people and undermined their aspirations and interests.
The organisations reiterated their demand for continued dialogue and resolution of all issues through peaceful means.
