By Mussa Tumaily

Leh, January 22, 2025 – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Ladakh has sharply criticized the elected representatives of the region, including local councillors and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ladakh, accusing them of not giving enough attention or seriousness to the pressing issues of Ladakh. The remarks were made by Skarma Tokdan, District Coordinator of AAP Ladakh, during a press conference held today.

While the party expressed its discontent with the inaction of the elected leaders, it also welcomed the talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the region’s Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The party leaders appreciated the ongoing dialogue as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of the people of Ladakh but emphasized the need for more substantial engagement from local representatives.

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Skarma Tokdan, who spoke on behalf of the AAP Ladakh, stated, “We have seen a lack of seriousness from the elected representatives, be it the councillors or the MP, regarding the vital issues of Ladakh. The issues facing our region are not being addressed with the urgency they deserve. While the Apex Body and KDA are actively engaging with the central government, local leaders remain largely silent, which is unfortunate.”

Tokdan further stressed the significance of the ongoing discussions with the MHA and lauded the efforts of the Apex Body and KDA in their continued advocacy for the region’s development. “The talks with the MHA is a crucial opportunity to resolve issues that have been ignored for far too long,” he added. “We hope that these talks result in concrete outcomes that will improve the lives of Ladakhis.”

Tashi Angchuk, State Vice Convener of AAP, also spoke about the tourism sector in Ladakh, which he highlighted as an essential part of the region’s economy. He expressed concern about the current state of tourism in the region and the lack of infrastructure to cater to the growing number of visitors. “Ladakh has immense potential for tourism, but without proper planning and infrastructure, the sector remains underdeveloped,” Angchuk said. “The tourism standards need to be raised significantly to meet international expectations and to create sustainable economic growth for the region.”

Angchuk also pointed out that, while tourism is an important revenue generator, it is equally crucial to ensure that the local culture, environment, and resources are preserved. He called on the government and elected representatives to work in collaboration with local communities to promote responsible tourism, which respects Ladakh’s unique ecosystem and heritage.

The AAP leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting Ladakh’s cause, demanding that the elected representatives take more responsibility in addressing local issues and pushing for the region’s development. They urged that a cohesive strategy be developed to tackle the economic, environmental, and infrastructure challenges facing Ladakh.

As the region moves forward, all eyes are on the outcome of the talks with the MHA, with hopes that it will pave the way for a more inclusive and holistic approach to Ladakh’s development.