Kargil observes bandh, protest rally in Leh on KDA, LAB call

Kargil, Feb 3: A complete bandh was today observed in Kargil district while as a protest rally was taken out in Leh district of Ladakh union territory on the call of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) in support of their demands.

KDA and LAB, two conglomerate representing various political, social, religious, student organisations in Ladakh, among other things have been demanding statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards under Sixth Schedule, PSC for Ladakh and early job recruitment process and two separate parliament seats for Leh and Kargil. Both LAB and KDA held a meeting in Kargil and Leh and announced bandh in the entire Ladakh region on February 3. As per reports a complete bandh was observed in Kargil district with all business establishments, other private offices closed while transport was off the roads.

In a unified effort, the Sub-Divisions including Sankoo, Drass, Shakar Chiktan, and Zanskar also have observed a complete shutdown to support the KDA and Apex Body’s call. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kargil took a protest rally in support of the Apex Body and KDA.

Similarly, a massive protest rally was taken out in Leh under Leh Apex Body joined by hundreds of people. They raised slogans in favour of their demands. The leaders addressed the demonstrators and appealed the Center Government to fulfill the key demands of Ladakh. The rally ended peacefully. The two alliances KDA and LAB had asked people to unite to fight for statehood and special status under the sixth schedule of the Constitution, the creation of a public service commission, job reservations for locals, an early recruitment drive and separate representation for Leh and Kargil districts in Parliament.

Member Kargil Democratic Alliance, Sajjad Hussain Kargili said that the protest call was given in support of the four demands by the Ladakh bodies. Kargili said that the government should listen to the people of Ladakh and fulfill their demands without any delay.