As thousands of people protested for statehood and constitutional protections for the Union Territory, the entire state of Ladakh was shut down. Both the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance worked jointly to organise the protests.
#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: Thousands brave the freezing cold as they march demanding statehood for Ladakh and protections under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory. (03.02) pic.twitter.com/gwsiGZBxXc— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
Demand for Statehood and Constitutional Protections
Ladakh's people marched through the cold main city of Leh, yelling demands for making Ladakh a state, putting the sixth schedule of the Constitution into action, and giving Leh and Kargil districts their own places in parliament. People in the Union Territory said they didn't like how bureaucracy was running things and stressed that their demands could only be met by becoming a full state, where they could choose their own officials.
History of Ladakh's Situation
After Article 370 was scrapped and the former state of Jammu and Kashmir was split in August 2019, Ladakh became a separate Union Territory. In just two years, though, the people of Leh and Kargil felt politically powerless and rose up against the Centre. Over the past two years, they have held many protests calling for statehood and constitutional protections to keep their land, jobs, and unique identity, which they had under Article 370.
Second Round of Talks and Demands
In order to meet the needs of the people of Ladakh, the Centre has set up a powerful group led by Minister of State (Home Affairs) Nityanand Rai. They talked about ways to protect Ladakh's culture, language, land, and jobs in their first meeting in December. It has been set for February 19 for the second round of talks.
These are the four main requests of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance:
- Statehood for Ladakh.
- There should be protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Jobs should be set aside for young people in Ladakh.
- Leh and Kargil should each have their own parliamentary constituencies.
In the end,
The massive protests in Ladakh show how strongly the people of the Union Territory want statehood and constitutional protections. That being said, the protesters are still going to keep fighting until their demands are met, even though the Centre said they would. Regarding resolving the problems and fulfilling the hopes of the people of Ladakh, the second round of talks set for February 19 will be very important.
(Image Source : Multiple Agencies )
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
