Peaceful demonstrations held in Ladakh for statehood, Sixth Schedule Protection

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
LEH, MARCH 26 (STC): Amid significant security presence, thousands of people in Kargil and Leh staged simultaneous peaceful protests today. The protesters were demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, reports a cross section of media.
The demonstrations were held in response to a joint call by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Apex Body Leh.
In Kargil, as per reports, the protest march began from Lal Chowk and moved through the main market before culminating at the Kargil bus stand, where a public gathering was held. Protesters carried placards and banners bearing slogans such as “Grant full statehood to Ladakh,” “Include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule,” “Protect our culture and identity,” and “Hear our voice.”
Participants, including youth, elderly residents, women and children, raised slogans declaring unity among the people of Ladakh and asserting that both statehood and Sixth Schedule protections were their legitimate rights, the reports said.
The reports from Leh stated that demonstration was held in the district headquarters where thousands gathered on the call of the Apex Body Leh. The protesters assembled in the town carrying banners and placards echoing similar demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region.
Addressing the rally in Kargil, KDA co-chairman Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai said, “The government is trying different tactics to create divisions among the people of Ladakh in order to weaken our voice, but today’s historic march proves that we will not bow to any pressure or intimidation.”
He also thanked residents of
Karbalai also expressed concern over alleged threats issued to participants of the Apex Body protest in Leh and urged authorities not to attempt to intimidate demonstrators.
“We are not afraid of threats. We have chosen our path and we will continue our struggle for our rights,” he said.
Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan, who also addressed the gathering, said, “The people of Ladakh will continue their struggle for their legitimate demands, even if it requires sacrifices.”
Without naming individuals, he criticized certain elements for allegedly acting against the interests of Ladakh and urged them to align themselves with the aspirations of the people.
Other speakers at the Kargil rally included representatives of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, the Merchant Association, student groups, Anjuman Sahib-e-Zaman and Anjuman Sufia Noorbakhshia, among others. All reiterated the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards, saying the movement would continue until the demands were met.
Meanwhile, authorities maintained a significant security presence during the demonstrations. The Deputy Commissioner (District Magistrate), senior officers of Ladakh Police and a large number of personnel were deployed in Kargil to ensure law and order.

(Straight Talk Communications)