Complete shutdown in Ladakh amid excise policy, land & power concerns
The Ladakh Buddhist Association and Ladakh Gonpa Association had jointly called for the Ladakh Bandh last week
A complete shutdown was observed across Ladakh on Tuesday to highlight concerns over several issues affecting the Union Territory.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) had jointly called for the Ladakh Bandh last week to express the collective concerns of the people over a range of issues. The bandh call was supported by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), the two groups engaged in talks with the Central Government over Ladakh’s key demands.
Both Leh and Kargil districts witnessed a complete shutdown, with markets remaining closed and public transport staying off the roads. Commercial activities remained suspended throughout the day in response to the bandh call.
Several thousand people also participated in a rally organised at the historic Polo Ground in Leh.
Various speakers, including leaders from religious organisations such as the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), Anjuman Imamia, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam and the Christian community, addressed the gathering and highlighted issues of public concern.
Sajjad Kargili, co-chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, said a successful bandh and protest were observed in Leh and Kargil against the “recently introduced excise policy facilitating the opening of liquor outlets, the ongoing land digitisation process being carried out without adequate consultation and consent of local stakeholders, and the proposed privatisation of the Power Department.”
“The movement also reflects the growing demand of the people of Ladakh for democratic rights, constitutional safeguards, protection of land and resources, and greater participation in decisions that directly impact their future,” he said.
Among the issues raised during the protests was the alleged delay by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in issuing the minutes of the meeting held between the Leh Apex Body and the KDA on May 22, 2026. Protesters also voiced concerns over the proposed liquor policy and the alleged privatisation of the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD).
According to the organisers, the bandh received widespread support from political parties, including the Congress, as well as various community organisations and stakeholders. Participants reiterated their commitment to pursuing these issues through democratic and peaceful means.
Last month, the LAB and KDA said they had reached an “in-principle” understanding with the Union Government on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Articles 371A, 371F and 371G, applicable to Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram. However, the minutes of the meeting are yet to be released.
