Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and former Chief Minister, urged the BJP-led Central government to draw important lessons from the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh, during a press conference on Thursday. The unrest in the region stems from long-standing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Abdullah attributed the violence to growing frustration over unfulfilled promises made to the people, reflecting sentiments also expressed by the locals in Jammu and Kashmir regarding their own demands for statehood. He stated that the core issues at hand indicate local grievances rather than external influences.
“The situation in Leh is a wake-up call for the government. People have suffered long enough. They need to feel heard,” Abdullah said, stressing the importance of addressing local aspirations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Highlighting examples of peaceful protests led by activists like Sonam Wangchuk, he pointed out the significance of non-violent demonstrations, including Wangchuk’s hunger strike and barefoot march from Leh to Delhi. Abdullah emphasized that these actions reflected strong community feelings about the need for genuine communication with the authorities.
Abdullah also raised concerns about the risks associated with geopolitical tensions in border areas like Ladakh, particularly related to China’s activities that threaten regional stability. He urged the central government to engage earnestly with the people of Ladakh, ensuring that their aspirations are met to avoid escalating conflicts.
The violence in Leh resulted in four fatalities and left over 80 individuals injured, including police personnel. The turmoil saw protestors setting fire to a BJP office, police vehicles, and other structures, prompting police to use tear gas and live rounds to control the situation.
“It is imperative for the government to restore peace and look into the root causes of dissent among the people. This tragic event should drive reforms that honour the sentiments of the local population,” Abdullah concluded.
