On November 25,  the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil passed a resolution demanding full-fledged statehood for Ladakh, protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Kargil and Leh districts.

“After the reorganisation of the state of J&K, there has been a greater resentment among the general masses of Ladakh regarding the representation of the public in the government. lt has given rise to apprehensions among the public with regards to safeguard of land, job, culture, and ecology. There is a need of providing full-fledged statehood to Ladakh UT keeping in view of its strategic importance, unique culture, and population,” the resolution reads.

“In view of the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A, the protections provided regarding land, culture, jobs, and ecology were no more there. Hence, it has been unanimously agreed across all strata of Ladakh that only the sixth schedule of the Constitution can ensure due protection,” the resolution further reads. 

The resolution was moved by Engineer Punchok Tashi, executive councillor for tourism and Zanskar affairs, and councillor Syed Abas Rizvi seconded the resolution. The four-point resolution was passed after 21 out of 26 councillors signed it.

Punchok Tashi termed the passing of the resolution as a historic day. “The resolution was accepted by the majority councilors of the LAHDC,” he said.