Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 25: Political leaders across parties have condemned the recent violence in Ladakh, urging the Central Government to address long-standing demands through dialogue and ensure a peaceful resolution while supporting the victims and their families.
Calling the unrest in Ladakh a direct outcome of Modi Government’s failed promises and policies, Congress Party’s media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, said the tragic loss of lives in the recent clashes was a grim reminder of what he termed as the Centre’s betrayal. He recalled that in 2019, Parliament was assured that the abrogation of Article 370 would bring peace to the region, but six years later, the situation has only worsened, pushing not just Kashmir but also Jammu and Ladakh into turmoil.
Khera stressed that Ladakh’s long-standing demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, along with the need to protect its identity and dignity, is both “legitimate and just.” Instead of neglect, he said, the people of Ladakh deserve compassion and statesmanship from the Centre. The ongoing crisis, he asserted, is of the BJP Government’s “own creation” and cannot be ignored any longer.
Veteran Congress leader and ex-MP, Dr Karan Singh expressed deep concern over the recent unrest in Ladakh, which left four dead and dozens injured. He noted that Ladakhis have historically been staunchly pro-India but warned that growing resentment among the youth, especially over shrinking employment opportunities and the absence of a Public Service Commission, must not be ignored. He suggested that inclusion under constitutional safeguards, like the Sixth Schedule, is a reasonable solution. Singh urged the authorities to address the aspirations of Ladakhi youth. He also called on the people to remain calm and press their demands peacefully.
Senior J&K Congress leaders also voiced serious concern over the unrest in Leh, blaming the BJP-led Central Government and UT administration for failing to address Ladakh’s long-pending demands. They said Ladakhis, known for patriotism and peaceful struggle, were ignored despite raising issues democratically, which frustrated youth and triggered violence. Appealing for calm, they urged people to resolve issues through dialogue, stressing that violence has no place in democracy.
They expressed sympathies with the victims’ families and pledged full support to Ladakh’s peaceful struggle. Signatories to the statement included Raman Bhalla, Lal Singh, Mula Ram, Balwan Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, Naresh K Gupta, Yashpal Kundal, Jehangir Mir, Tarlok Singh Bajwa, Indu Pawar, Balbir Singh, Shah Mohd Chowdhary, Sian Abdul Rashid, Hari Singh Chib, Rajnish Sharma, Ashok Kumar Dogra and Sham Lal Bhagat.
The CPI(M) condemned the “brutal repression” in Ladakh following protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, blaming the Union Government for creating the unrest. Highlighting the six-year-long demand for constitutional safeguards, the party criticized the forceful arrests of peaceful hunger strikers by the Central Government, which led to violence and four deaths. CPI(M) urged an immediate end to repressive measures, meaningful negotiations with movement representatives, and adequate compensation for victims’ families and the injured.
Shiv Sena J&K unit chief Manish Sahni condemned the recent violence and police action in Leh, calling it highly unfortunate. He criticized the hollow promises made since the 2019 reorganization that stripped J&K and Ladakh of statehood and special privileges, citing ongoing injustices and public frustration, especially among Gen Z. Sahni demanded the immediate restoration of statehood with special privileges and highlighted the need for relief for disaster-hit areas, recalling past movements for regional rights.
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