Amid intensified protests in Ladakh that have caused significant human and infrastructural loss in recent days, the Congress party on Friday urged the government to respond to the distress and anguish of the people of Ladakh. The party emphasised that the issue is not merely about initiating talks but about fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of Ladakh’s residents in full, and at the earliest.
An uneasy calm prevailed in Ladakh on Thursday, as police and paramilitary forces strictly enforced a curfew in Leh town. This came a day after protests demanding statehood turned violent, resulting in tragic consequences. According to reports from news agency PTI, the violent protests led to the deaths of four people and left around 90 others injured.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, noted that six years ago, when the Union Territory of Ladakh was created, the people had high hopes. However, he pointed out that there has since been massive disappointment and disenchantment across the region.
Ramesh highlighted that the people of Ladakh have witnessed their land and employment rights come under severe threat. He also expressed concern over the local administration and elected bodies being overtaken by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the bureaucracy.
Emphasizing the ongoing demands within the union territory, Ramesh said, “The people have seen only meetings after meetings on their legitimate demands for protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and for an elected legislature.”
He further pointed to the broader geopolitical uncertainties, referencing China’s unilateral abrogation of the status quo on the Line of Actual Control and the “Prime Minister’s June 19, 2020, clean chit to China,” which he described as causing “great uncertainty.”
Speaking about Ladakh’s significance, Ramesh underscored its profound cultural, economic, ecological, and strategic importance to India. He added, “The people of Ladakh have, at all times, been proud Indians to their very core. Their distress and anguish must awaken the Government of India’s conscience—not just for more talks but for actually fulfilling their legitimate aspirations in full measure at the very earliest.”
In connection with the violence that erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) on Wednesday—demanding an extension of the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh—at least 50 people have been detained so far.
(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/congress-urges-modi-government-to-address-ladakhs-anguish-as-protests-turn-violent-23595900