Leh: Following relentless demands for Sixth Schedule reservation and Statehood for Ladakh, Ladakhi political leaders declared on Monday their intention to commence hunger strikes and escalate protests if the meeting with the High-Powered Committee on February 19 fails to yield favorable outcomes.
During his address to the media in Leh, Thupstan Chewang, former MP and founding member of Leh Apex Body, reiterated the body's intent to reiterate their previously submitted demands to the Government of India, encapsulating their four-point agenda.
"We were initially instructed to submit our demands in writing. Following the submission of our proposal, we anticipated inclusion in the second round of discussions. However, there was a significant delay," he remarked.
Thupstan Chewang said that if the outcome of 19th Feb meeting turns in our favour, it will be welcomed. In case, if nothing positive will come, we will further intensify our protests across the region.
He also informed the media persons that the Apex Body has been tasked to prepare for the hunger strike in view of unfamiliar meeting results.
Last week a massive protest was reported in Ladakh demanding Sixth Schedule, job reservation, and parliamentary seats.
According to the Constitution of India, the Sixth Schedule reservation grants separate Parliamentary standing committee for tribal people, domination of Autonomy and Self-governance for Ladakh and Unique cultural preservation for their customs.
Additionally, it is pertained to mention that after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A and bifurcation of J&K state into two UT’s. Ladakh was also turned into a Union territory without legislature by GOI.