Kargil, Sept 1/ VOL News Desk/ The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced a major rally in Kargil on September 10 and a foot march from Kargil to Leh starting September 11 in support of Ladakh’s four-point agenda, including statehood, the Sixth Schedule, justice for the victims of the September 24 incidents, and other demands. The padyatra will conclude with a major programme in Leh on September 24.

Addressing a press conference in Kargil, KDA Co-Chairman Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai said that the KDA and Apex Body have been holding discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the past five to six years on the four-point agenda, which has now reached a crucial stage.

According to the KDA, recent informal discussions have witnessed positive progress on issues including legislative, executive and financial powers for the people of Ladakh, bringing the bureaucracy under the proposed administrative structure, and constitutional safeguards. A draft proposal is expected from the MHA in the first week of September, following which legal and constitutional experts from the KDA and Apex Body will examine it and submit their suggestions to the government.

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The KDA appreciated the government’s positive approach towards the talks but stressed that clear progress is also required on other key demands, including justice for the victims of the September 24 incidents, statehood and the Sixth Schedule.

The press conference also informed that a delegation led by social activist Sandeep Pandey, along with members of the Socialist Reform Group, parliamentarians and civil society representatives, will reach Kargil on September 9. A reception will be organised for the delegation at Hussaini Park, after which the foot march from Kargil to Leh will begin on September 11.

Karbalai welcomed the support extended by traders, transporters, contractors, various associations, religious and political organisations and civil society. He said the struggle would continue with unity to protect Ladakh’s future, land, culture, traditions and constitutional rights.

The padyatra will halt at different locations en route and reach Leh on September 24, where a major public gathering will be held with the participation of the leadership of the KDA and Apex Body.

The KDA appealed to the people of Ladakh, irrespective of religion, sect, region, language, gender or age, to participate in large numbers in the September 10 rally and the subsequent padyatra, and make it a memorable and historic demonstration in Ladakh’s history.

The press conference was attended by KDA Co-Chairman Sajjad Kargili, Ladakh MP Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan, council representatives and various stakeholders.