KARGIL: Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB), two conglomerates representing various political, social, religious, and student organisations in Ladakh, called for a complete “Kargil bandh” and “Leh Chalo” on February 3 in support of their four demands, which include statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, PSC for Ladakh, early job recruitment, and two separate parliament seats for Leh and Kargil. Meanwhile, a massive protest rally was held in Leh district of Ladakh union territory on Saturday.On February 3, LAB and KDA met in Kargil and Leh and declared a bandh throughout the Ladakh area. According to accounts, the Kargil district saw a full bandh, with all commercial establishments shuttered, private offices closed, and all vehicles off the road. Similarly, hundreds of people participated in a sizable protest march organised by Leh Apex Body in Leh. The two alliances have called on people to band together to fight for the establishment of a public service commission, job reservations for locals, early recruitment drives, statehood and special status under the sixth schedule of the Constitution, and separate representation for the districts of Leh and Kargil in Parliament. Sajjad Hussain Kargili, a member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, stated that the protest call was made in favour of the four requests made by the Ladakh bodies. Kargili stated that the Ladakh people should be listened to by the government, and their requests should be promptly met. It is pertinent to note that the Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled a meeting of the High Powered Committee for February 19 in Delhi to review the issues, coinciding with the protest call issued by the KDA and LAB. “Happening Now in #Ladakh | Despite harsh cold people in #Leh gathered and marching with the demand for Statehood, Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and PSC and employment opportunities for Ladakh” tweeted Sajad Hussain Kargili.
