KARGIL, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Reflecting on the demand of MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal in Parliament for the empowerment of LAHDC bodies, Kargil Democratic Alliance Co-Chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said that the demand is an attempt to demean the successful Ladakh bandh protest of 13 December. Karbalai made the statement speaking to a media outlet today.

Otherwise, the State Advisory Committee in an amendment in 2018 has given various powers on papers to the two Councils of Leh and Kargil. The new reorganization act 2019 also has continued the same powers to LAHDCs; but, on the ground, even one percent of these amendments are not being followed in reality, Karbalai maintained. The only amendment implemented is the post of Deputy Chief Executive Councillor, added Karbalai.

“The current statement of MP Ladakh is to divert the attention of people from the recent successful Ladakh Bandh protest. In the same Lok Sabha of Parliament, the home minister had said that the councils of Leh and Kargil are the most powerful councils all over the country.

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“The Hill Councils of Ladakh are not functioning under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution. The most powerful councils in the country are those under the Sixth Schedule, where there are 10 Councils of which these two in Ladakh are not a part.

On asking about the plan of action by the alliance of KDA and Apex Body, Karbalai said that “the home ministry in an unsuccessful attempt tried to ignore the actual representatives of Ladakh and tried to hold meetings with selective parties. However, Ladakh unanimously rejected the call and called for a general strike. Accordingly, Nityanand Rai called the actual stakeholders for a meeting at Leh and assured to resolve the demands.

“But only one demand fulfilled yet is Ladakh Residential Certificate; while other demands are left unheard.

“Thus, a Ladakh Bandh protest was called on 13 December 2021 and people in both the districts fully supported the two bodies of public representatives over the four key demands of Ladakh. Asgar Karbalai further appealed the central government that they must heed to the unanimous demands of Ladakh that are full-fledged statehood, constitutional safeguard, one more Lok Sabha seat and recruitment drive.