Calls for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule echoed through Ladakh, where a complete shutdown was observed, marked by massive protest rallies in the Leh district. The locals, organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), rallied for four key demands: statehood for Ladakh, tribal status under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, job reservations for locals, and individual parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
Social media videos depicted a significant turnout, with people vociferously expressing their demands through slogans and placards. The shutdown initiative stemmed from LAB and KDA, who had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Ministry on January 23. The memorandum urged the fulfillment of Ladakh’s statehood aspirations and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
Sources revealed that alongside the memorandum, representatives submitted a proposed bill amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 during their January 23 meeting. The suggested changes aimed to confer statehood upon Ladakh.
Meanwhile, a high-level committee, chaired by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, has been engaging in discussions with representatives from Leh and Kargil. The ministry had formally requested a written list of demands during the last meeting on December 4, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address the concerns of the Ladakhi population.
