The Congress party urged the Indian government to act swiftly on the legitimate aspirations of the people of Ladakh, following a turbulent week marked by protests that turned violent, leading to four fatalities and numerous injuries.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, delivered a critical statement on Friday emphasizing that the distress of Ladakhis must not only prompt further discussions but necessitate immediate action from the government. He expressed deep concern for the people whose hopes were high when the Union Territory of Ladakh was formed six years ago, only to face significant disappointment since then.
Speaking on social media platform X, Ramesh highlighted the alarming threats to land and employment rights in the region. He pointed out that local governance has transitioned into the hands of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and bureaucratic officials, leaving the actual elected representatives sidelined.
Ramesh stated, “The Ladakhis have experienced nothing but meetings about their enduring demands for protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which seeks to safeguard the interests of indigenous communities, alongside a genuine call for an elected legislature. This is not the situation they envisioned after the region’s transition to Union Territory status. Instead, they have encountered a cycle of unfulfilled promises.”
Moreover, Ramesh linked local discontent to broader geopolitical uncertainties, notably China’s actions on the Line of Actual Control and Prime Minister Modi’s perceived leniency towards Chinese aggressions. He reiterated that Ladakh holds immense cultural, economic, ecological, and strategic significance to India.
“Ladakhis have consistently demonstrated their patriotism. Their distress and anguish should stir a sense of urgency within the Government of India, compelling it to emerge from mere rhetoric to resolute action that acknowledges their rights and aspirations,” Ramesh added.
Following the protests, a curfew is imposed in Leh, maintaining an uneasy calm. Authorities have detained around 50 individuals in connection with the unrest triggered by the Leh Apex Body’s call for statehood, highlighting the community’s dissatisfaction with the lack of response from the government to their plight.
The recent events surrounding the demand for the Sixth Schedule extension reflect a growing impatience among Ladakhis. The protests are not merely a call for statehood but a demand for self-governance and protection of their unique cultural identity.
As Ladakh navigates this critical juncture, the Congress party’s call to the government calls attention to the need for immediate dialogue and actions that resonate with the voices of the people.
