Ladakhis March to Delhi

It must be acknowledged that Ladakhis have shown that they may be living in hostile conditions in the Northern Frontier and braving the harsh weather conditions almost throughout the year but the turbulence and meagre resources have made them brave over the ages. They represent the spirit of human dignity and have merged as the sentinels of Indian democracy. It goes to the credit of Ladakhis that they live in a region that has the highest land area when compared to the other regions of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. But have the least population density as compared to other regions of Jammu and Kashmir. This has not stopped them to uphold the democratic rights that they deserve within the Constitution of India. The long pending demand of the Union Territory(UT) Status that was the battle cry of the Ladakhis was materialised after rigorous struggle after the neutralisation of Article 370 and 35 A. But it did not satisfy them. They want fully empowered UT akin to statehood. To give the complete blueprint of the comprehensive empowerment Ladakhis of all hues are protesting for nearly four years to get their four point formula implemented in letter and spirit. The Central Government also acknowledged the points raised in the agitation led by Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance(KDA).But the talks are stuck in a logjam and stalled. As there has been no breakthrough. Though the Central Government carved more districts in Ladakh to send a message to the Ladakhis that the Centre is concerned about the devolution of powers to the grass root level. Leaders leading the agitation neither welcomed the decision whole heartedly nor criticised it. Their reactions that have appeared in the media have appreciated the step of the Union Government but have at the same time reiterated that it will not alter their agitation till the four point formula is implemented in totality. These four points include the statehood for Ladakh, extension of the Sixth schedule of the Constitution, early recruitment process with public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha for Leh and Kargil. To get their demands registered and accepted by the Central Government, LAB and KDA have a foot march (Padh Yatra) from Ladakh to New Delhi, the national capital. This Yatra is being led by renowned innovator and social activist Sonam Wangchuk. More than hundred volunteers are participating in this march. This Yatra was flagged off by Thupstan Chhewang. The leaders expressed hope that this Yatra will reach the national capital on 2nd October on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Whatever be the outcome of this agitation, one thing is worth emulating for those who want to seek the redressal of their issues in a democratic set up that peaceful protest within the ambit of constitutional rights surely pays dividends. Ladakhis have indeed shown that even most difficult problems can be solved with social cohesion and unity besides upholding the law and order. Ladakhis from all sections of the society are participating in this agitation across party lines and irrespective of gender and age. The entire nation knows the importance of Ladakh and Ladakhis who have always acted as the guardians of the national borders in the Himalayas and defeated the enemy’s nefarious designs to balkanise India. Ladakhis have made supreme sacrifices for the nations within the ambit of their meagre resources. Those who know the difficult times faced by Ladakhis are aware that they have contributed a lot in the Himalayas for the Indian nation. It is pertinent to mention that two names are written in golden letters in the history of Ladakh when it comes to upholding the genuine rights of the Ladakhis. These are revered Kushak Bakula and Pandit Shreedhar Joo Kaul (Dulloo) from Kashmir. Pandit Shreedhar Joo Kaul(Dulloo) is held in high esteem by the Ladakhis of all hues for upholding their rights when no one cared for them. He is considered a respected figure in Ladakh by one and all. That is the bond Ladakhis share with the Kashmiris. This brotherhood and mutual respect for each other must prevail in the interest of the nation building and upholding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India. Ladakhis must get their due.