Notwithstanding the fascist Modi-led Indian government’s decision to replace its pointman in Ladakh, the cold-desert region’s two main civil society groups, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB), have vowed to continue their agitation till fulfillment of their demands.
The reaction came following the Indian government’s decision to appoint Brig. (Retd.) BD Mishra as new Lieutenant Governor (LG) for Ladakh in place of RK Mathur. As per reports, Mathur quietly left his office in Leh after saying goodbye to his staff on Saturday. The change of guard took place after the KDA and LAB decided to intensify their agitation for the realization of their demands.
In this regard, the two powerful bodies of Ladakh region have announced a protest in Delhi on February 15 (Wednesday).
LAB senior leader, Chering Dorjay Lakruk, in an interview to a Jammu-based newspaper, said, “We are not very enthusiastic about the change in Raj Niwas (Governor house in Leh). The Lieutenant Governor is nominee of the IndianHome Ministry. We will go ahead with our ‘Chalo Delhi’ call on February 15 where we will hold protest in support of our demands”.
He further said they are not expecting any major shift in the Indian government’s policy towards their demands with change of the Lieutenant Governor.
KDA leader Nassir Munshi too said the ‘Chalo Delhi’ call stands as removal of the Lieutenant Governor was not their demand. “We want our issues to be addressed and till this is done, we will continue to agitate,” he added.
Notably, the people of Ladakh have been demanding several constitutional safeguards such as inclusion under Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution that provides protection to tribal dominated areas, Statehood for Ladakh, two Lok Sabha seats and job opportunities for the locals.—KMS
