Kargil: A three-day hunger strike began in Kargil on Saturday, demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, among other issues.
Organised jointly by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) at Hussani Park, the protest also seeks separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and the creation of a public service commission. The two groups have been agitating for these demands for five years and accuse the Centre of delaying the next round of talks despite earlier promises.
Banners at the venue read, “Together, we can build a future where Ladakh governs Ladakh,” while placards called for an end to “colonial treatment” and the restoration of democracy.
KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said statehood and the Sixth Schedule remain their core demands, yet discussions on these issues have not taken place despite assurances from the Ministry of Home Affairs in May. He alleged the delay appears deliberate.
Another KDA leader, Sajjad Kargili, accused the government of breaking its promise for further talks, urging the Centre to end what he termed “colonial treatment” and to restore democratic governance in Ladakh without delay.
The hunger strike will continue for three days, after which the core committee will decide the next steps if the government fails to respond.
