Kargil, September 1, 2026
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) today held an important meeting attended by KDA Co-Chairmen Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, along with members of the KDA body and all concerned stakeholders. Following the meeting, a press conference was held in which the KDA announced its full support for the Kargil–Leh Padyatra scheduled from September 10 to 24. The meeting was attended by MP Ladakh Hanifa Jan
The Padyatra is organising by Socialist Party and othe civil and political organisations to extend the solidarity and support for Ladakh’s demand for Statehoo, Sixth schedule and Justice for 24 September victims.
Addressing the press conference, KDA Co-Chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said that the Kargil Democratic Alliance would continue its peaceful and democratic struggle for the constitutional, democratic and legitimate rights of the people of Ladakh. He made it clear that until the UT Administration and the Government of India recognise and address the legitimate rights and demands of the people of Kargil and Leh regions, the peaceful democratic struggle and raising of the people’s voice will continue.
He said that the Padyatra would receive the full support of the Kargil Democratic Alliance. KDA Co-Chairman and Padyatra Convenor Sajjad Kargili will provide regular media briefings throughout the march and lead the march along with Sandeep Pandey.
As per the programme, the Padyatra will begin from Kargil on September 10 and proceed up to Haniskot, with the Kargil Democratic Alliance responsible for its coordination along this stretch. From Haniskot to Leh, the Padyatra will be coordinated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
The Padyatra will culminate in Leh on September 24 with a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the tragic events of September 24, 2025, when four young people lost their lives during protests in Leh, while hundreds were injured and detained. The Padyatra will reiterate solidarity with the victims and their families and reaffirm the demand for justice, accountability and a credible resolution of the issues that led to the tragedy.
The KDA emphasised that the Padyatra is not directed against any individual or political party, but is a peaceful people’s movement for the democratic, constitutional and legitimate rights of the people of Ladakh.
Members of Parliament, civil society representatives, social activists and other public figures from different parts of the country are also expected to join the Padyatra. Well-known social activist Sandeep Pandey, among others, is expected to participate.
All stakeholders present at the meeting reiterated their commitment to extending full support to the Kargil Democratic Alliance and making the Padyatra successful. They emphasised that the issues confronting Ladakh must be resolved through dialogue, democratic engagement and peaceful public participation.
