Braving the extreme cold, thousands took out a protest march in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status on Saturday. The protests were jointly organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
Besides the two demands, the outfits have also demanded a dedicated Public Services Commission (PSC), and two Parliamentary seats for Ladakh. Following their demand, the Union Home Ministry called a meeting of the Ladakh High Powered Committee (HPC), chaired by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, in New Delhi on February 19.
Videos from Ladakh showed thousands holding banners and placards taking part in the march, stating that only a full statehood where they elect their representatives to govern the region could fulfil their demand.
According to the legal adviser of LAB and KDA Haji Ghulam Mustafa, the four-point agenda has been raised by these outfits ever since Ladakh has become a UT.
"All our powers, which were people-centric, have weakened. When we were a part of J&K, we had four members in the Assembly and two in the legislative council. Now, we have no representation in the Assembly. Our demand has always been that the people of Ladakh should have representation in the Assembly and that we should get statehood," Mustafa told ANI. He added that Ladakh was a strategically-important place and a tribal majority area with the features of north-eastern states.
"Along lines of the northeastern states, we demand that the provisions of the 6th schedule be implemented in Ladakh to protect its culture. Ever since Ladakh became a UT, there have been no gazetted job openings in the region, while in J&K, two batches have already been commissioned, and the third batch is going to get commissioned soon. Ladakh immediately needs to have a Public Service Commission of its own," he added, stating that the people of Ladakh demand that the region be empowered."
The HPC is likely to consider the written points submitted by LAB and KDA in the February 19 meeting, along with other issues raised by committee members. Though statehood is unlikely, an announcement addressing some Ladakh issues is expected. These could include safeguards for land, culture, and identity.