‘Development alone won’t satisfy Ladakh, constitutional safeguards are a must’
Yash Khajuria
Leh, Aug 11: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Sunday threatened to launch a vigorous agitation across Ladakh if the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fails to resume talks to address their Four-Point Agenda. The agenda, which has been a central demand of the people of Ladakh, includes constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, the creation of two separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, a separate Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and statehood for the region.
The statement was made during a joint press conference held on Sunday after a crucial meeting in Leh, where representatives from both organizations emphasized the need for the resumption of discussions between their leaders and the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh.
Cherring Dorje, President of the Leh Apex Body, stated that the meeting of LAB-KDA leadership focused on recent media reports suggesting that the Government of India plans to strengthen the Ladakh Hill Development Councils and create additional districts in the Union Territory, along with other development initiatives. He clarified that while these measures are welcomed, they do not address the core demands raised in the Four-Point Agenda, and therefore, should not be seen as fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh. “Initiatives like increasing budgetary allocations for Ladakh, enhancing funds for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils, and improving connectivity and infrastructure have always been part of the government’s agenda. However, our leadership is steadfast in its commitment to the Four-Point Agenda, and we will soon announce a roadmap for sustained agitation to further our demands,” Dorje asserted.
Nasir Munshi, President of the District Congress Committee Kargil and a key member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, highlighted the unfruitful nature of past meetings between Ladakhi leaders and the High-Powered Committee. He noted that these discussions were interrupted by the Lok Sabha elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah promising to resume talks post-election. Munshi expressed disappointment that despite this assurance, the talks have not been resumed, forcing the LAB-KDA to consider more aggressive measures to press for their long-standing demands.
Munshi also revealed that their newly elected Member of Parliament had approached leadership in New Delhi, sending letters to several ministers and political figures, emphasizing the demands of Ladakh. Additionally, a joint delegation from LAB and KDA had met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Drass for the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, presenting a memorandum advocating for the resumption of discussions on the Four-Point Agenda. Despite these efforts, the government has responded with public announcements of additional districts and the empowerment of Hill Councils, which Munshi argued are attempts to counter their demand for the resumption of talks.
“We want to make it clear that the recently announced measures have nothing to do with the agenda of the LAB-KDA leadership. Our only concern is the resolution of the demands in the Four-Point Agenda, as desired by the people of Ladakh,” Munshi declared. He further stated that while Ladakhis are peace-loving people who seek constructive dialogue, failure by the central government to respond positively could lead to a confrontation with the people of Ladakh.
Regarding the future course of action, Munshi mentioned that after an upcoming core-committee meeting, the LAB-KDA leadership would engage with the unemployed educated youth of Ladakh, seeking their active participation in this movement. He emphasized that unemployment is a top priority in the region.
Munshi also addressed concerns about recent statements made by some KDA members, clarifying that such statements made in an individual capacity do not reflect the collective agenda of the LAB-KDA leadership. He reiterated that the demands outlined in the Four-Point Agenda, which include constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, the creation of two separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, a Separate Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and statehood for the region, remain the core focus of their movement.
