Kargil, Jun 20: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have called for a Ladakh Bandh on June 23 in support of their long-pending demands.
The two organisations have appealed to the people of Ladakh to observe the shutdown peacefully and extend support to their movement. However, they clarified that transport services will remain operational during the bandh to avoid inconvenience to the public. The bandh has been called to press for the fulfilment of the groups’ demands, which include constitutional safeguards and measures aimed at protecting the interests of the people of Ladakh.
The shutdown call was announced after a crucial meeting of the joint core committee of LAB and KDA in which noted activist Sonam Wangchuk also participated. The protest marks a fresh flashpoint in Ladakh’s ongoing movement seeking constitutional safeguards, protection of land and jobs, and greater local control over governance after leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the May 22 sub-committee meeting held in New Delhi.
Addressing a press conference, LAB Chairman Chering Dorjey Larkuk said the people of Ladakh had hoped the concerns raised before the Centre would find reflection in the official record of the meeting, but were disappointed to find no meaningful progress on core issues. He said demands relating to constitutional protections on the lines of Articles 371A, 371G, and 371F, along with safeguards over employment and local interests, remained inadequately addressed.
“The government’s tactics are not good. They are buying time and their intentions do not appear good. We will not remain silent,” Dorjey said.
Dorjey alleged that significant developments concerning Ladakh were taking place behind closed doors without adequately consulting stakeholders in the region.
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