VOL News Desk/ The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Thursday announced a complete shutdown and peaceful protest rally in Kargil district on March 16, accusing the Central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs of delaying discussions on Ladakh’s constitutional demands.
Addressing a press conference in Kargil on March 12, KDA leaders said repeated meetings with the Centre have failed to produce concrete outcomes, which they claim is increasing public frustration in Ladakh.
According to the alliance, a meeting of the High-Power Committee with the Home Ministry held on February 4 ended without any decision. During the meeting, officials had reportedly assured that a sub-committee meeting would be convened within 10 to 15 days. However, the alliance said no progress has been made since then.
KDA leaders said several meetings have taken place so far, but each one ends with only a promise of another meeting, while Ladakh’s key constitutional demands remain unresolved.
The alliance reiterated that the people of Ladakh are demanding statehood and inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. They said these demands are constitutional and legitimate, and have already been formally submitted to the government in written drafts during previous discussions.
Warning of further escalation, the leaders said people may be forced to intensify protests if the current situation continues. “The people of Ladakh are neither tired nor willing to give up their rights,” the leaders said, adding that the region’s residents remain steadfast in their struggle.
Referring to the events of September 26 last year, the leaders said several protesters were injured, many activists were detained, and some people lost their lives during demonstrations. They demanded the unconditional release of all detained activists, proper medical treatment for the injured, and dignified compensation for the families of those who died.
The alliance announced that a peaceful protest rally will begin at 1:30 pm on March 16 from Lal Chowk in Kargil and proceed to the bus stand. The march will be led by KDA leadership and will conclude with a public address. The alliance has also appealed to residents to keep businesses closed across Kargil throughout the day in support of the protest.
KDA leaders urged the people of Kargil, civil society groups, traders, and religious institutions to participate in large numbers, stating that the movement represents the broader struggle for the future and rights of Ladakh.
Responding to questions from journalists, KDA leader Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai said growing developments in the region have created serious concerns among Ladakh’s residents. He said increasing deployment of forces and other activities have raised fears that decisions may be imposed on the people without their consent.
He said both the Kargil Democratic Alliance and the Leh Apex Body called for the March 16 protest to send a clear message that the people of Ladakh will not accept any move against their wishes and interests.
Karbalai added that the protest aims to remind the government that the people of Ladakh remain united and vigilant regarding their constitutional rights. If any decision is imposed against public will, he said, residents will oppose it through democratic and peaceful means.
The protest call comes amid recent administrative changes in the Union Territory. Vinai Kumar Saxena, who was the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, has recently been given charge as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh after the removal of Kavinder Gupta. Residents have also noted an increase in police deployment in parts of Ladakh, particularly in Kargil district, which has contributed to rising concerns among locals.