Kargil, Sep25/ VOL News Desk/ The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has strongly condemned the recent tragic incidents in Leh and demanded an independent and transparent investigation. Addressing a press conference, KDA Co-Chairman Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai alleged that security forces and the administration used excessive force during a peaceful protest, resulting in the deaths of four civilians, dozens injured, and several in critical condition.

Karbalai reiterated that the people of Ladakh have been peacefully pressing for their four key demands over the past six years—statehood, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, protection of recruitment and employment including a Public Service Commission, and an additional parliamentary seat. He noted that despite multiple rounds of dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs, no concrete outcome was achieved, and discussions have remained stalled since May.

The KDA leaders said that even as elderly hunger strikers and other protesters’ health deteriorated, the government remained a silent spectator. “Instead of addressing the people’s concerns, live ammunition was used on unarmed civilians. Who gave this order, and why was such force deployed against peaceful protestors?” Karbalai questioned.

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He stressed that the people of Ladakh are peace-loving and have always raised their demands through democratic means, warning that attempts to suppress their voice through force and intimidation are unacceptable. Extending condolences and solidarity to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, he called for an immediate halt to harassment, arrests, and targeting of youth and leadership by the administration.

The KDA further demanded that the Union Government and UT Administration launch an independent inquiry, take legal action against those responsible, and resume serious and result-oriented talks with the KDA and Apex Body to ensure a democratic and peaceful resolution of Ladakh’s demands.

Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan, and Sajad Hussain Kargili also addressed the press conference, echoing the call for justice and accountability.