VoL Desk, March 27: After concluding the three days long hunger strike for Statehood and Sixth Schedule on Tuesday, the Kargil Democratic Alliance staged a massive protest at Kargil today, drawing significant participation from across the district.

The protest rally commenced from Bus Stand Kargil and concluded at Hussaini Park, where leaders of various religious and political factions addressed the public, urging the Centre to address Ladakh’s essential demands.

Demonstrators voiced their demands for the restoration of democracy in Ladakh, statehood, and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. They expressed discontent with the Union Territory status, which they perceived as a setback to their aspirations.

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The speakers on the occasion were Co-Chairman, Kargil Democratic Alliance and former MLA, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai, Chairman, LAHDC, Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffar Akhone, Vice-Chairman, IKMT Sheikh Hassnain Rizwani, Representative Jamiat Ulema Sajjad Hussain Kargil, President District Congress Committee Nasir Hussain Munshi, President National Conference Haji Hanifa Jan, Representative Anjuman Sofia Noorbakshia, Representative Anjuman Jamiat Ulema (TSG Block) and Executive Councillor Agha Syed Mujtaba, Representative Anjuman Sahib Zaman Agha Syed Abass Razvi, Representative Anjuman Ahl Sunnat wal Jamaat Adv. Talib, President Kargil Buddhist Association Skarma Dadul, Aam Aadmi Party Representative Hassan Tamanna, SEMOK Representative Sadiq Ali and Instagram Influencer Liyaqat Loshay.

Speaking at the event, Co-Chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance and former MLA, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai, highlighted the opposition of the people of Kargil to the abrogation of Article 370 and the creation of the Union Territory. He underscored Ladakh’s contributions to Indian administration since 1948 and its overwhelming support to Indian Army in wars such as those in 1971 and 1999.

However, acting Home Minister Amit Shah dashed Ladakh’s hopes by stating that Statehood and Sixth Schedule status would not be granted. He asserted that the people of Ladakh, led by their leaders, are prepared to make sacrifices until their key demands are met, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the environment and livelihoods for future generations.

Karbalai also emphasized the need to prevent exploitation of Ladakh’s resources by corporate entities and industrialists, urging continued resistance against the policies of Modi and Amit Shah. “Don’t get tired because the struggle against Modi and Amit Shah has long way to go”, said Karbalai. As discussed with Apex Body leader Darjay Lakruk, now onwards, all the decisions for this struggle will take in consultation with each other.

CEC Kargil, Dr. Jaffar Akhone, highlighted the governance challenges faced by the Autonomous Hill Councils post-Union Territory formation, including fund shortages, erosion of elected representatives’ powers, and environmental concerns. He appealed to the Centre to heed Ladakh’s demands, considering its fragile environment and unique identity.

Vice-Chairman of IKMT echoed the courage and unity displayed by Kargil’s leaders during the hunger strike, praising figures like Qamar Ali Akhone and Asgar Ali Karbalai for their participation despite health concerns and old age.

The President, Kargil Buddhist Association, Skarma Dadul stressed the unity of all Ladakhi stakeholders in pursuing essential demands, namely Sixth Schedule status and Statehood.

Previously, from March 24 to 27, the Kargil Democratic Alliance conducted a three-day hunger strike at Hussaini Park to press for Ladakh’s key demands. Religious, political, and civil society representatives, along with the public from various subdivisions, blocks, and tehsils, joined the alliance at Hussaini Park, expressing solidarity with Ladakh’s future aspirations.