Foot March from Leh to Delhi: Ladakh's Struggle for Statehood and Constitutional Rights

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have announced a foot march from Leh to Delhi in a bid to urge the central government to resume stalled dialogues. The organizations demand statehood, extension of the Constitution's sixth schedule, early recruitment processes, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.

In a significant move, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a foot march from Leh to Delhi next month, urging the central government to renew stalled dialogues on Ladakh's four-point agenda.

The LAB and KDA, representing diverse political, social, and religious groups, have been agitating for four years, seeking statehood, the extension of the Constitution's sixth schedule, timely recruitment, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey Lakruk stated the march, set to begin on September 1, aims to reach Delhi by Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, joined by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. However, if volunteers are insufficient, the dates may change. The march reflects a Gandhian commitment to non-violence, aiming to amplify Ladakh's voice and urge the central government to keep its promises.

(With inputs from agencies.)