The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Kargil witnessed a significant shutdown as thousands of demonstrators, led by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), rallied from Fatima Chowk to Hussaini Park, vocally advocating for full statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh. The demonstration, held in the main market, resonated with fervent slogans demanding greater political autonomy.

According to reports received by the news agency KNO, the KDA, alongside Leh Apex Bari (LAB), garnered support from diverse political, social, and religious organizations representing both Kargil and Leh districts. For the past four years, these groups have tirelessly championed the cause of Ladakh's statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

In response to unsuccessful negotiations with the Central government, KDA co-chairman Asghar Ali Karbalai rallied the crowd at Hussaini Park, urging them to brace for an extended struggle. He announced plans for a hunger strike commencing on March 24, emphasizing the need for a robust response following the government's dismissal of their core demands on March 4.

Karbalai articulated the unwavering resolve of Ladakhi people in the face of governmental apathy, asserting, "Despite several rounds of talks, the government's attitude has been dismissive. They underestimate our determination, assuming they can quell Ladakh's voice with force. But we stand resolute, prepared to escalate our demands.”

Reports inform that the KDA leadership is set to convene with LAB counterparts in Leh to devise a collaborative strategy, intensifying the movement's momentum.

Meanwhile, environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk's fast enters its 15th day, underscoring the gravity of Ladakh's demands. Wangchuk's steadfast protest, fueled only by water and salt, underscores the urgency of Ladakh's plight and the collective responsibility to safeguard its environmental integrity.

Addressing the pressing need to address Ladakh's socio-economic challenges, Wangchuk expressed plans for a border march, aiming to spotlight the region's ground realities. He emphasized the imminent threat posed by industrial expansion in the south and Chinese encroachment in the north, rallying for national solidarity in upholding Ladakh's interests.

SRINAGAR — The latest session of the sub-committee convened to address Ladakh's pressing concerns concluded without a breakthrough. Representatives from Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) revealed the impasse following discussions with Home Ministry officials and the advisor to the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor.

However, specifics regarding the discord remain undisclosed, leaving the nature of the rift shrouded in ambiguity.

In the aftermath of the inconclusive meeting, according to the inputs received by the news agency KNO, LAB and KDA leaders sought further deliberations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Despite their efforts, discussions failed to yield tangible results.

Top sources informed that LAB and KDA representatives pledged to consult with local constituents before charting their next course of action.

It was informed further that central to the discussions were Ladakh's demands concerning the implementation of the sixth schedule, a topic that sparked detailed exchanges during the meeting.

Home Ministry officials, citing legal expertise, outlined a timeline of two to three months for the fulfilment of these demands. However, LAB and KDA leaders remained steadfast in their insistence on immediate action. Sources close to the negotiations highlighted the procedural complexities associated with meeting Ladakhi demands.

While acknowledging the validity of the grievances, it was underscored that any resolutions must withstand legal scrutiny and cannot be hastily enacted under external pressures.

The sub-committee's inaugural meeting on February 24 marked the onset of dialogue aimed at addressing Ladakh's multifaceted challenges. Before this, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai conducted two rounds of discussions with Ladakhi leaders and laid the groundwork for subsequent engagements.

LADAKH — Eminent educationist and reformist from Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk is observing a hunger strike to protect the environment of Ladakh and demanding the fulfillment of the four-point agenda of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance which also includes the implementation of the 6th Scheduled for Ladakh.

Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance are up in arms against the BJP-led Central government, demanding the protection of jobs and land in the Ladakh region.

In his address to the media, Sonam Wangchuk appealed to the prime minister and home minister to personally initiate dialogue with the leadership of Ladakh for resolving the demands of the Ladakhi people.

Both the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have welcomed the statement of Sonam Wangchok and have called for a mass rally on January 31 against the failure of the Union Government to protect the identity and culture of the Ladakh region. The people of Ladakh have been seeking constitutional safeguards for jobs and land.

An unnamed leader from Kargil Democratic Alliance, quoted by the news agency KNT, said that Thupstan Chhewang, Chairman Leh Apex Body has appealed to the people of Ladakh to make the rally a grand success and participate in it even if there is a snowfall.

“We also appeal to the people of Ladakh to join and support the mass rally to make it a success so that the Central government takes serious note of the voice of the agitating people of Ladakh regarding the fulfillment of the four-point agenda of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic alliance,” he said.

Pertinently, Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, innovator, and education reformist. He is the founding director of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) and is also known for designing the SECMOL campus that runs on solar energy and uses no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating.

SRINAGAR — Days after the Apex Body of Ladakh and Kargil Democratic Alliance refused to be part of the high-powered committee constituted by the Government of India, Chering Dorjay, leader of the Apex Body of Leh and senior vice president of Ladakh Buddhist Association has said that ‘being part of Kashmir’ was better for the people of Ladakh.

He said they were better off in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir than under the Union Territory administration.

The Apex Body of Ladakh and Kargil Democratic Alliance has been demanding statehood, protection of land, jobs and their identity. To resolve the issue, the Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a high-powered committee headed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. Lt Governor of Ladakh, MP Ladakh, a senior Home Ministry official and nine representatives of Apex Body of Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance are members of the Committee.

The Apex Body has said that it doesn’t know under what schedule and law, the Central government will meet their demands. "Given the present scenario, we feel the earlier arrangement of being part of J&K was better," said Chering Dorjay.

Dorjay alleged that the Centre is trying to make a fool of the Ladakhi people after forming the high-powered committee but refuses to accept their demand for statehood and the 6th schedule for Ladakh. "They are trying to make fool of us. We understand that the Centre is against our demand for statehood and the 6th schedule," said Mr. Dorjay.

Reacting to the development, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami as per the news agency KNT said, “Finally, it has dawned on the people of Ladakh that they were better off in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision taken on August 5, 2019, was not only an assault on the distinct identity of all three regions but also a move to disempower the people. Hope the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh put up a united fight for the restoration of their legitimate rights.”

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in a tweet said, “Relieved that people of Ladakh finally realize that their interests and identity can be saved only if they unite with J&K. They have finally called off GoIs bluff and disinterest in granting them statehood and protecting their resources.”