The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) has announced a three-day hunger strike starting August 9 to press for its longstanding demands—implementation of the 6th Schedule in Ladakh and restoration of statehood to the region.
Addressing a press conference, senior KDA leader and former legislator Asghar Ali Karbalai said the people of Ladakh are growing increasingly frustrated over the prolonged delay in initiating a meaningful dialogue on the matter.
“Several high-ranking officials and political leaders from New Delhi have visited Ladakh over the past few years, but none have addressed the issues of the 6th Schedule or the demand for statehood. This silence is unacceptable,” Karbalai said.
He added that people from across Kargil will assemble at Kargil Chowk on August 9 and begin a three-day hunger strike to highlight their demands.
“We will no longer tolerate these delays. The assurances given to the people of Ladakh must be turned into concrete action,” he asserted.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), a joint forum of various political and religious groups in Kargil, has repeatedly sought constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule to protect the region’s land, culture, and employment rights. The group has also demanded full statehood for Ladakh, which became a Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
As reported by Kashmir News Trust, Karbalai urged the Government of India to take the aspirations of the people of Ladakh seriously and begin formal dialogue without further delay. (Agencies)
