Kargil, December 6/ VOL News Desk/ Continuous delay and uncertainty by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) over Ladakh’s four basic constitutional demands have led to growing public unrest and anxiety across the region, said Kargil Democratic Alliance, Co-Chairman, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai in a detailed interaction with media persons.

At the outset, Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai thanked media representatives and said that for the past six years, the people of Ladakh, under the leadership of the Apex Body and KDA, have been carrying out a peaceful struggle for their four fundamental demands. He clarified that the Ladakhi movement has always remained non-violent and has never intended to harm the nation’s unity, peace, or security.

He stated that from day one, Ladakh’s leadership has maintained that dialogue is the only way forward. However, when apathy and breach of promises are witnessed from the government’s side, people are left with no option but to resort to protests, sit-ins, and agitations.

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Half-hearted Approach on Reservation and Recruitment

Haji Karbalai said that notifications issued by the government regarding reservation, domicile, and recruitment have not been fully implemented on the ground. He pointed out that although a 95 percent reservation was announced, it has not been properly enforced in colleges or universities. He further added that outsourcing and contractual appointments for gazetted posts are still continuing, which is unacceptable, especially in the higher education sector.

Despite Ladakh facing extremely high unemployment, he said, the issues of youth are not being addressed seriously.

September 24 Termed a ‘Black Day’

Calling September 24 a black day in Ladakh’s history, Haji Karbalai said that four youths were martyred, more than 90 injured, and over 70 people arrested on that day. He alleged that several innocent people are still lodged in jails. He also termed the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) on noted environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk as highly unfortunate, stating that he has been detained for over 100 days.

He said that in the very first meeting, the Apex Body and KDA had demanded the unconditional release of all detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, along with dignified and adequate compensation for the families of martyrs and the injured. Until these steps are taken, he asserted, unrest in Ladakh will not subside.

Government Silence Testing Public Patience

Haji Karbalai informed that after September 24, the government had sought a joint written draft from the Apex Body and KDA regarding the Sixth Schedule and statehood, which was submitted within the stipulated time. However, despite the passage of one and a half months, no further meeting has been convened, even though a meeting was promised within three days.

He said this continued silence is testing the patience of the people, and believing that Ladakhis will give in under pressure is a grave misunderstanding.

Appeal for Unity

Alleging attempts by certain elements to create divisions between Buddhists and Muslims, and between Kargil and Leh, Haji Karbalai appealed to the people of Ladakh to stand united like a “wall of lead” against every conspiracy aimed at breaking Ladakh’s unity in the name of religion, politics, language, or region.

Speaking on the role of media, he said that while some elements are trying to weaken unity, the media should play a constructive role in strengthening Ladakh’s collective struggle and harmony.

Concluding the interaction, Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai once again thanked media persons and reiterated that the people of Ladakh will continue their peaceful struggle until their constitutional and legitimate rights are achieved.