Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 7: Despite assertions from their leaders, divisions have emerged among agitating groups in Ladakh, as a bandh call issued by certain religious organizations failed to resonate in the Kargil district of this mountainous region.
The bandh call came after discussions between the agitating groups and the High Powered Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs reached an impasse. While all business establishments in Leh district, including the Nubra Valley, adhered to the shutdown call by various religious groups, Kargil district and neighboring areas, including Zanskar Valley, remained unaffected.
In Kargil town, commercial activities continued as usual, with no disruptions to public transportation. Sources revealed that representatives from Kargil felt sidelined as they were not consulted before the bandh call was made.
This is not the first time that differences cropped up among agitating groups. Earlier serious differences have emerged between the Kargil Democratic Alliance and Leh Apex Body on the Supreme Bandh call given by certain religious organizations failed to resonate in Kargil district
In Kargil town, commercial activities continued as usual, with no disruptions to public transportation.
Representatives from Kargil felt sidelined as they were not consulted before the bandh call was given.
This is not the first time that differences cropped up among agitating groups.
KDA expressed its reservations over the Supreme Court’s verdict while organizations of Leh hailed the verdict as historic.
Meanwhile, education reformist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk commenced a 21-day climatic fast following the bandh, aiming to exert pressure on the Union Government to address the demands of the Ladakhi people. Wangchuk advocated for the establishment of a legislative assembly in the Union Territory of Ladakh to enable a popular government.
While expressing gratitude to the Central government for granting Ladakh separate Union Territory status, Wangchuk raised concerns about the lack of a political platform for Ladakh to articulate its needs effectively, calling for a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly.
Wangchuk debunked misconceptions regarding the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution hindering development in the region, suggesting instead that it would empower autonomous hill development councils with people’s representatives playing pivotal roles in decision-making processes. | 