Ladakh leadership announces UT-wide strike on June 23, warns Centre against ‘delay tactics’

Apex Body Leh and KDA demand implementation of agreed proposals on democratic safeguards; threaten intensified agitation if commitments are not honoured

Leh: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Saturday announced a complete Ladakh Bandh on June 23, accusing the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Union Territory administration of delaying implementation of commitments allegedly made during the May 22 meeting of the High-Powered Committee in New Delhi.

Addressing a joint press conference following a crucial meeting of the LAB-KDA Core Committee in Leh, leaders from both organisations expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the failure of the MHA to accurately reflect key decisions in the minutes of the May 22 meeting and to place before stakeholders a promised draft proposal on Ladakh’s governance and constitutional safeguards.

The leaders said the meeting in Delhi had resulted in an “in-principle agreement” on a democratic governance structure for Ladakh with legislative, executive and financial powers, including greater control of the elected leadership over the bureaucracy. They also claimed that discussions on constitutional safeguards, including provisions similar to Articles 371G and 371F, had not been adequately reflected in the official minutes.

LAB Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay Lakruk said the omission of key points from the meeting record had raised serious concerns about the Centre’s intentions. “We cannot accept a situation where progress made through dialogue is diluted later. The government must honour the understandings reached during the meeting and ensure that all agreed points are properly reflected,” he said.

The leaders alleged that despite assurances that a final draft proposal would be prepared within days of the May 22 meeting, nearly a month had passed without any concrete progress.

KDA leaders warned that Ladakhis’ patience was wearing thin after six years of continued uncertainty over issues such as statehood, constitutional safeguards, democratic representation and protection of local interests. They asserted that if the Centre failed to move forward on the agreed framework, the people of Ladakh could be compelled to revert to their original demands, including Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Announcing the June 23 shutdown, the leaders said the bandh would be observed across both Leh and Kargil districts. All commercial establishments will remain closed, though transport services, including taxis, have been exempted in view of the ongoing tourist season.

The organisations also cautioned the UT administration against introducing policies or decisions in sectors such as land, power, tourism and transport without consultation with Ladakh’s elected and community leadership. The leaders alleged that certain administrative measures were being pursued “behind closed doors” and claimed these could adversely affect Ladakh’s democratic rights and local interests. However, they did not elaborate on the specific issues.

Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa also participated in the core committee deliberations, while representatives said broader consultations and future programmes would continue jointly between Leh and Kargil stakeholders.

Urging the Centre and the UT administration to act swiftly, the leaders called for the immediate finalisation of the meeting minutes and preparation of the promised draft framework, saying a timely resolution was essential for laying the foundation of a “new Ladakh” with a stable and representative governance structure.

The joint leadership maintained that while they remain committed to dialogue, any attempt to dilute the agreed proposals or impose decisions without consultation would be strongly opposed by the people of Ladakh.