LEH: A day-long bandh called jointly by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) witnessed widespread participation across Ladakh on Monday, with traders, shopkeepers and business establishments shutting down in solidarity with the protest call. Similar shutdowns were also observed in Kargil and other parts of the Union Territory.
Despite the bandh, schools functioned normally and public transport, along with private vehicles, plied without disruption, ensuring that essential services remained unaffected.
The focal point of the protest in Leh was a massive gathering at Polo Ground, where leaders from various religious and social organisations addressed the gathering, underscoring Ladakh’s unity across communities. Among those who spoke were Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) President Tsering Dorjay Lakrook, President of Anjuman Imamiya Leh, President of Ladakh Gonpa Association and President of the Ladakh Travel Trade Alliance (LTTA).
Addressing the gathering, LBA President Tsering Dorjay Lakrook strongly criticized the Union Territory Administration’s new Excise Policy, alleging that it had been introduced without adequate consultation with the people of Ladakh. He warned that the policy could have serious social consequences, claiming that it would encourage alcohol consumption, disrupt family and social harmony and allow outside business interests to dominate the liquor trade in the region.
Lakrook also expressed disappointment with Ladakh’s political parties, accusing them of failing to effectively oppose policies detrimental to the interests of the people. Referring to recent discussions between Ladakh representatives and the Ministry of Home Affairs, he alleged that key demands relating to constitutional safeguards and an elected legislative body for Ladakh had been omitted from the official minutes of the meeting.
He claimed that representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance had declined to endorse the minutes after noticing the exclusion of crucial provisions, including safeguards under Article 371 and powers for a proposed elected body in the Union Territory.
Highlighting Ladakh’s strategic significance, Lakrook cautioned the Centre against delaying or diluting commitments made to the people of Ladakh. He reiterated the long-standing demand for constitutional protection and greater political empowerment for the region.
The LBA president also voiced opposition to proposals promoting large-scale investments and luxury tourism, arguing that such initiatives would primarily benefit outside investors rather than local residents. He stressed the need for policies that safeguard local interests and employment opportunities.
Thanking traders, shopkeepers, religious organisations and residents for observing the shutdown, Lakrook described the turnout as a powerful demonstration of Ladakh’s unity beyond religious and regional divides. Referring to the administration’s advisory against the gathering, he said the programme was held despite the absence of permission and maintained that the large public participation reflected the people’s determination to voice their concerns peacefully. Calling for continued unity, he urged the people of Ladakh to sustain their struggle for constitutional safeguards, accountability and the protection of Ladakh’s unique identity and interests. The bandh and the massive gathering at Polo Ground highlighted the growing public concern over the Excise Policy and reaffirmed the continuing demand for constitutional and political safeguards for Ladakh.
