The Congress party has called upon the government to urgently address the legitimate aspirations of the people of Ladakh. This demand comes after violent protests erupted on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals and injuring 90 others.
During a press briefing on Friday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the distress and anguish of Ladakhis should prompt a serious response from the government. He urged that mere talks will not suffice; the government must fulfill their demands swiftly and completely.
Ramesh pointed out that six years after the establishment of the Union Territory of Ladakh, there is widespread disappointment among its residents. The initial hopes for progress and development quickly turned into disillusionment, he stated, highlighting the ongoing threats to land and employment rights in the region.
He criticized the current oversight where local governance seems to be overshadowed by the Lieutenant Governor and the bureaucracy. Ramesh noted that despite numerous meetings regarding the people’s demands for protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, there has been no substantial action taken.
In his statement, Ramesh also raised concerns about the uncertainty created by China’s recent actions along the Line of Actual Control. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments from June 19, 2020, which he described as a ‘clean chit to China’, exacerbating the fears among the people.
“Ladakh holds vast cultural, economic, ecological, and strategic significance for India,” Ramesh remarked, stressing that the people of Ladakh have consistently demonstrated profound patriotism and pride in their nation. He insisted that their suffering and frustrations should spur the Government of India to take immediate, meaningful actions to fulfill their legitimate demands.
In the aftermath of the protests, a tense calm descended on Ladakh, particularly in Leh town, where security forces imposed a curfew. The curfew became necessary to prevent further unrest following the violent demonstrations led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), advocating for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule.
Authorities have reported the detainment of at least 50 individuals connected to the protests. The violence triggered during the shutdown called for by LAB reflects the deep-rooted concerns among Ladakhis regarding their political and cultural rights.
Analysts suggest that the government’s failure to recognize and act upon the aspirations of Ladakhis could lead to further unrest and a growing sense of alienation among the population.
As the situation develops, many eyes remain fixed on New Delhi to see how the central government addresses these pressing issues, as the people of Ladakh seek a resolution to their years of unfulfilled expectations.
