Ladakh activists to hold three-day hunger strike from August 9

Activists advocating for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh are set to begin a three-day hunger strike from August 9, citing delays by the Centre in holding further talks on their core demands.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB)—two key representative groups from the region—have previously held several rounds of discussions with the High Powered Committee (HPC), which is chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and includes senior government officials.

The HPC was constituted to address a range of concerns, including the protection of Ladakh's unique culture and language, safeguarding land and employment rights, ensuring inclusive development, and to empower the hill councils of Leh and Kargil districts.

Speaking at a media briefing in Kargil, KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai said that during their last meeting with the HPC over two months ago, issues such as domicile, reservations, and recruitment were discussed and largely resolved.

“We were assured that the next meeting would be held within a month to discuss our key demands—statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule,” Karbalai said. “However, the Centre has been delaying this meeting, which is unacceptable.”

The demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule has been part of an ongoing agitation in Ladakh for nearly four years. Protesters are also calling for separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil (currently represented jointly by one MP), and the establishment of a Public Service Commission (PSC) for the Union Territory.

Karbalai added that both the KDA and LAB will launch a coordinated protest beginning with the hunger strike in Kargil to send a strong message to the Central government. He said the LAB has also been invited to join the protest to chart a collective strategy moving forward.

The hunger strike will take place from August 9 to 11 at Hussaini Park in Kargil.

Meanwhile, it is reliably learnt that the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has been tasked with addressing local concerns. Gupta has begun engaging with residents across the region and has directed the administration to expedite the resolution of issues faced by people in Leh and Kargil.