The Congress party has emphasized that the government must urgently address the aspirations of the people of Ladakh. On Friday, Congress leaders expressed that the distress among Ladakhis should stir the government into action, paving the way for genuine solutions rather than mere discussions.
This statement emerges in the wake of violent protests on Wednesday, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to over 90 others. Such unrest has prompted Congress to call for immediate attention to the situation.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh articulated the disillusionment felt by the residents of Ladakh since the creation of the Union Territory six years ago. Ramesh pointed out that despite once holding great expectations, the community now faces significant disappointment.
“The people of Ladakh have seen their land and employment rights under severe threat,” Ramesh stated on social media platform X. He highlighted that local administration and elected representatives have been largely overridden by the Lieutenant Governor and bureaucracy.
Ramesh criticized the repeated meetings held by the government concerning the residents’ demands, particularly regarding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the establishment of an elected legislative assembly.
The Congress leader underlined that the situation has exacerbated fears among the local populace, fueled by tensions stemming from China’s actions in the region. Ramesh noted the “great uncertainty” caused by China’s recent moves along the Line of Actual Control, paired with what he described as the Prime Minister’s approval of China’s conduct in previous discussions.
Ladakh holds significant cultural, economic, ecological, and strategic value for India. Ramesh reiterated the commitment of Ladakhis to their national identity, urging the central government to act decisively. “Their distress must awaken the Government of India’s conscience,” he urged, stressing that it was imperative to fulfill their legitimate aspirations as quickly as possible.
After the violent protests, an uneasy calm settled over Leh as police and paramilitary forces imposed a strict curfew. Authorities detained at least 50 individuals linked to the unrest, which erupted during a shutdown initiated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB). This body has been advocating for an extension of the Sixth Schedule provisions and statehood for Ladakh.
The ongoing crisis in Ladakh raises essential questions about the future governance and rights of its people, highlighting a pressing need for the government to take concrete steps to address their legitimate concerns and restore their faith in the administrative processes.
