KDA rally in Kargil seeks justice for Sept 24 victims, constitutional safeguards for Ladakh

KARGIL: A day ahead of the first anniversary of the September 24, 2025 violence in Leh, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Wednesday organised a major protest rally in Kargil under the banner “Justice for Ladakh”, bringing together residents, students, religious organisations, political groups and civil society representatives in a renewed call for justice for those who died and for resolution of Ladakh’s long-pending political and constitutional demands.

The procession began at the New Bus Stand, Kargil, passed through the main market and culminated at Hussaini Park, where it was followed by a public gathering. Participants carried banners and placards and raised slogans highlighting their demands concerning justice, constitutional safeguards, democratic rights and protection of Ladakh’s land, employment, culture and identity.

The gathering was addressed by KDA Co-Chairmen Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Hussain Kargili, Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan, Sheikh Hasnain Rizvi, Socialist Party leader Sandeep Pandey, students from Delhi and representatives of religious and political organisations. A large number of religious scholars associated with the Jamiat Ulama Ithna Ashariya Kargil and Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, Kargil, besides students and residents from different parts of the district, participated in the programme.

The KDA used the rally to reiterate Ladakh’s broader political demands, including constitutional safeguards, democratic representation, protection of land and employment, and preservation of the region’s cultural identity. Speakers maintained that assurances on these issues needed to be translated into concrete measures.

The KDA had initially planned to participate in a longer Kargil-Leh padyatra, but the joint protest programme was subsequently scaled back. Instead, KDA announced the September 23 Kargil rally, while the Leh Apex Body organised a symbolic march in Leh.