VoL Desk, Feb. 02: Imam Jummah of IKMT, Sheikh Hamid Nasiri during the Friday sermon appealed the public to support Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) on February 3, emphasizing the protest’s necessity to fulfill Ladakh’s key demands.

Various religious organizations viz Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), Jamiat Ulema Isna Ashriya Kargil (JUIAK), Anjuma Sahab Zaman, Sankoo (ASZ), Anjuman Inqilab e Mehdi, Suru (AIM), have also joined in urging the general public to support this cause, recognizing the significance of the collective effort to address Ladakh’s critical issues.

After three years of intense deliberations with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and persistent protests related to the four-point agenda, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body have declared protest for the safeguard of Ladakh’s land, job, identity, culture etc.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

The Leh Apex Body has initiated the “Leh Chalo Andolan” and is seeking extensive public support for their cause. Additionally, they revealed that the renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk will observe a fast the day after the protest, urging the general public to rally behind him for the shared cause.

Simultaneously, in separate video announcements, KDA members called on the public to observe a “Kargil Bandh” on February 3, 2024.

During an address to the general public, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai, the co-chairman of KDA, expressed their disappointment with the High-Powered Committee despite numerous discussions. He disclosed that, following a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 4, 2023, to provide a detailed draft of their demands, assurance was given that talks would resume after the winter session of Parliament.

Despite submitting a 27-page draft and the conclusion of the winter session, there has been no confirmation from the MHA for further discussions. In light of concerns about the future, land, jobs, and cultural preservation, Karbalai urged the public to support the Kargil Bandh called by KDA and the “Leh Chalo Andolan” initiated by Leh Apex Body to send a clear message to the Government of India. He emphasized that if the demands remain unmet, the protests will persist.