LAB leaders continue hunger strike in Leh demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule
JAMMU, Sept 22: The Leh Apex Body (LAB) today said it will continue its hunger strike until Ladakh is granted Statehood and included under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, rejecting the Union Home Ministry’s announcement of a High Powered Committee (HPC) meeting scheduled for October 6 in New Delhi as “too late”.
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LAB members argued they were not consulted before the date was finalized and insisted on immediate talks with the Central Government. They said public patience was “running out” after weeks of peaceful protest.
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey Lakruk stressed that the fast would continue until an agreement is reached. “Our protest is peaceful, but people are getting impatient. The situation could slip out of hand if the Government delays further,” he cautioned.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk reminded the Government of the BJP’s earlier promise to extend Sixth Schedule protections to Ladakh, urging fulfillment of the commitment before upcoming Hill Council elections. “If they fulfill the promise, Ladakh will support them. Otherwise, people will lose faith,” he said.
Other leaders, including Ashraf Ali Barcha of Anjuman Imamia and Christian leader Sonam Parvez, highlighted the hardships of fasting at Leh’s high altitude. “This is not like Jantar Mantar. Staying hungry here is a challenge, but we continue because democracy in Ladakh is at stake,” they said.
The LAB began its indefinite hunger strike on September 10, while its ally, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), had earlier staged a three-day strike in August. Both groups have been pressing the Centre for four years on their demands.
The influential Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) recently passed a resolution urging unity within the LAB leadership, leading to the return of Thupstan Chhewang as its head.
Source: Agencies
Labels: Ladakh, Politics, Protests
Tags: #Ladakh #LAB #KDA #SixthSchedule #Statehood #SonamWangchuk
Disclaimer: Based on reporting by Agencies. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.
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