Ladakh L-G faces first big test as 3-day hunger strike for statehood starts today

Newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, is set to face his first major challenge, with Ladakh groups planning a three-day hunger strike from Saturday to press their demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) will stage the protest from August 9 to 11 in Kargil. Their four-point agenda includes statehood, Sixth Schedule status, two Parliamentary seats for Ladakh (instead of the current one) and a separate Public Service Commission (PSC).

Although talks between Ladakh groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had been progressing smoothly in recent months, the process now appears to have stalled. The KDA and LAB have accused the Centre of inaction on their core demands.

Ahead of the strike, Gupta said equitable development of both districts, Kargil and Leh, would be ensured. While reviewing the functioning of various departments, the L-G instructed officials to ensure balanced development in both districts.

He stressed the need to improve flight connectivity in Ladakh, particularly in Kargil and Thoise, and directed the holding of awareness campaigns for taxpayers and the simplification of tax processes. He also called for the promotion of the UT’s major achievements and government schemes to improve public awareness.

The KDA and LAB have been agitating for years, arguing that statehood and Sixth Schedule status are essential to preserve Ladakh’s culture and environment.

Gupta’s two predecessors – Brigadier BD Mishra (retd), who took office in February 2023, and RK Mishra, the UT’s first L-G in 2019 – also faced sustained protests over these demands. Neither completed their five-year tenure.

Educator and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who will be in New Delhi during the strike, has announced plans to launch a media campaign in support of the protest.