KARGIL: A three-day hunger strike, jointly organized by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB), concluded here with a massive rally. The protest was held to demand statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Participants warned that if the central government continues its “delaying tactics” and fails to schedule a fresh round of talks, they will escalate their agitation.
The rally began at Hussaini Park, the site of the hunger strike, and was led by prominent leaders from both groups, including LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, KDA co-chairmen Asgar Ali Karbalai and Qamar Ali Akhoon, along with Ladakh’s Member of Parliament Mohammad Haneefa Jan.
Thousands, including religious leaders and hill council members, marched through the town chanting slogans demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, a Public Service Commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil— the four major demands jointly championed by the KDA and LAB over the past four years. They have held several rounds of talks with the High Powered Committee (HPC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs during this period.
Participants also raised slogans such as “Hindustan Zindabad” and “hum bheek nahi apna haq maangate” (We do not beg for alms, we demand our rights) before returning to Hussaini Park. There, leaders addressed the crowd and accused the government of forcing them onto the streets by delaying the dialogue process.
“This historic rally sends a strong message that the people of Ladakh stand united behind these four demands. While this fresh protest began in Kargil, it will spread across every corner of Ladakh if the government does not demonstrate a willingness to engage in meaningful talks and address our concerns,” Dorjay said.
He accused the central government of unjustifiably delaying the negotiations. “We have been protesting for a long time. If the government cancels the talks, we will have no choice but to intensify our struggle,” he added.
Dorjay also warned that the government might attempt to divide the people of Ladakh, but stressed that unity is crucial for the success of their movement to protect their homeland.
KDA co-chairman Karbalai said the core members of both groups will meet later to plan the next steps. “We have already decided to escalate the agitation, as the government had promised to hold the next round of talks within one month of our last meeting in May, but they have shown no seriousness,” he said.
