Leh: Ladakh witnessed a comprehensive shutdown as thousands of people took to the streets, demanding statehood and constitutional protections under the sixth schedule for the Union Territory.
Organised jointly by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, the protests saw men and women rallying through Leh's main city, braving freezing temperatures and voicing demands for Ladakh's statehood, the implementation of the Constitution's sixth schedule, and separate parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
Despite the Centre's announcement of a second round of talks with representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, the shutdown persisted.
A high-powered committee, led by Minister of State (Home Affairs) Nityanand Rai, has been formed by the Centre to address the demands of Ladakh's people.
Residents of Ladakh expressed their dissatisfaction with the prolonged bureaucratic rule in the Union Territory, emphasising that only full statehood, allowing them to elect representatives for regional governance, could address their concerns.
In December, the Centre held an initial meeting in Ladakh, instructing representatives from Leh and Kargil to submit their demands.
Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, leading to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, within two years, residents of Leh and Kargil felt politically marginalised, prompting a collective protest against the Centre.
Over the past two years, multiple demonstrations have taken place, with demands for statehood and constitutional guarantees to safeguard land, employment, and distinct identity, reminiscent of the privileges enjoyed under Article 370.