Ladakh's prominent civil society groups have raised serious objections against the Lieutenant Governor's recently formed committee, calling its composition "highly imbalanced" and failing to address the region's core demands.
Widespread Discontent Over Committee Formation
The Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing the united voice of Ladakh's people, have formally expressed their dissatisfaction with Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Retd) B D Mishra's approach. The four-member committee announced on June 8 has been rejected by these organizations for not adequately representing Ladakh's diverse interests.
In a strongly worded statement, the ABL and KDA highlighted that the LG formed the committee without proper consultation with the elected representatives and civil society groups that have been at the forefront of the movement for Ladakh's rights. The organizations emphasized that this unilateral decision-making process undermines the democratic principles they are fighting to protect.
Core Demands Remain Unaddressed
The joint leadership of ABL and KDA has made it clear that their primary demands include statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a separate Public Service Commission for the region. These fundamental issues, they argue, are not properly reflected in the committee's mandate or composition.
"The formation of this committee appears to be merely cosmetic," stated a representative from the joint leadership. "It fails to address the genuine concerns that have brought thousands of people to the streets in peaceful protests across Ladakh." The groups have been organizing various forms of democratic protests, including hunger strikes and public demonstrations, to press for their demands.
Historical Context and Ongoing Struggle
The discontent in Ladakh has been brewing since the region was made a separate Union Territory in 2019, following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir. While the move was initially welcomed by some sections, the absence of democratic safeguards and legislative representation has become a growing concern among the local population.
The ABL and KDA have been leading a unified movement since 2023, bringing together diverse communities across Leh and Kargil districts. This unusual alliance between the two regions, which have historically had different political perspectives, demonstrates the seriousness of the current situation and the unity of purpose among Ladakh's residents.
The organizations have warned that if the central government and LG administration continue to ignore their legitimate demands, they may be forced to intensify their protest movement. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial for determining whether dialogue can be established or whether Ladakh will witness increased political mobilization.
