Mirwaiz Urges Honouring Promises to People of Ladakh

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed grief over the loss of lives in violent protests in Ladakh, attributing the unrest to the 2019 decision to revoke Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. In a post on X, Mirwaiz described the clashes as “aftershocks” of the “unilateral dismemberment and downgrading” of Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with unfulfilled promises to Ladakh’s people. He urged the Indian government to honour its commitments to prevent further loss of life.

The protests, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), erupted on Wednesday during a shutdown in Leh, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides autonomy for tribal areas. The demonstrations turned violent, resulting in four deaths and at least 80 injuries, including 22 police personnel, as protesters clashed with authorities and set vehicles and a BJP office ablaze. The unrest reflects growing frustration over unmet demands since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019.

Mirwaiz’s statement echoes sentiments from regional leaders like Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who highlighted Ladakh’s sense of betrayal despite not being explicitly promised statehood, unlike Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled talks with Ladakhi representatives, including LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, for October 6 to address these demands. The ministry claims progress, such as increasing Scheduled Tribe reservations to 84% and initiating recruitment for 1,800 jobs, but critics argue these measures fall short.

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The violence has drawn widespread attention, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP-led government of neglecting Ladakh’s aspirations. Mirwaiz’s call for action underscores the urgency of addressing the region’s demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the strategically vital Himalayan region.

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