Leh, June 23 (IANS) A complete shutdown was observed in Ladakh on Tuesday on the call given by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to protest the “delay” by the Centre in fulfilling the demands of the UT’s people.

The shutdown affected normal life in both Leh and Kargil districts.

Markets, business establishments and commercial activities remained closed in several areas as people extended support to the shutdown call.

However, transport services largely remained operational to minimise inconvenience to the public and tourists.

The bandh was called by the LAB and the KDA to protest what they described as delays in implementing assurances made during a meeting held with Union government representatives in New Delhi on May 22.

The groups have also expressed dissatisfaction over what they termed as the failure to accurately reflect agreed-upon points in the official minutes of the meeting.

Leaders of the two organisations alleged that key issues concerning Ladakh’s political and constitutional future were either omitted or inadequately reflected in the official record of discussions, leading to growing mistrust among stakeholders in the region.

The agitation is linked to a set of long-pending demands pursued by the LAB and the KDA, including constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, protection of land and employment rights, greater local participation in governance, and other measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of the region’s residents.

The bandh call was announced following a meeting of the joint core committee of the LAB and the KDA, which expressed dissatisfaction over the outcome of recent engagements with the Centre and warned against further delays in addressing the concerns raised by Ladakh’s representatives.

LAB Chairman Kukreja Dorjey described the shutdown as one of the most significant region-wide protests witnessed in Ladakh in recent months, reflecting continuing public concern over unresolved issues relating to governance, constitutional safeguards and regional representation.

There were no reports of any major untoward incidents during the shutdown.

In addition to statehood, the representatives of the LAB and the KDA have demanded inclusion in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution and protection for the unique culture and heritage of the region.

–IANS

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