Ladakh Demands Full Statehood, Parties Call For Shutdown On Dec 13.

With the calls for full statehood gaining ground The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body have called for a complete shutdown in the Union Territory on December 13 against the delay in granting full-fledged statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region by the government of India.

The two groups were formed in the twin districts of Kargil and Leh following the region’s resentment against the central government for failing to provide constitutional, job, and land safeguard after the creation of separate Union Territory in August 2019.

According to sources, the two groups had met on November 12 to decide the future course of action. On Friday, they said, both the parties decided to give a shutdown call to “remind the centre” about their promises.

Talking to Kashmir Observer, former BJP unit president of Ladakh and ex-minister Chering Dorjay and a member of Leh Apex body said the government of India has not invited the leaders of Ladakh for talks regarding various issues pertaining to the region.
“This shutdown call was given to remind them that they are yet to invite the leaders of Ladakh for talks,” Dorjay told Kashmir Observer.

He said the body has some demands that need to be fulfilled, including full-fledged statehood, job policy, and constitutional and land safeguard besides the separate Parliament seats for the twin districts of Leh and Kargil.

Sajjad Kargali, a member of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) told Kashmir Observer that New Delhi is buying time and doesn’t show any interest in fulfilling their demands.

“Both these groups of the region decided to give a shutdown call,” he said.

It may be noted that the Ladakh administration has already reserved all government jobs for the locals of the Union Territory (UT).

However, the leaders from the cold desert have demanded that their four other demands should also be fulfilled.