KDA Warns Winter Schedule Risk Disenfranchising 20–25% Population
Kargil | Nov, 10: Kargil observed a complete shutdown following a call by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and affiliated bodies protesting the proposed conduct of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections during the harsh winter season. Demonstrators demanded an immediate deferral of the election schedule. Alongside the shutdown, a evening candle march titled ‘Save Democracy in Ladakh’ was organized in Kargil to voice opposition to the election timing.
Addressing media personnel, KDA Co-Chairman Sajjad Hussain Kargili criticized the Union Territory administration for issuing unilateral notifications without local consultation, alleging that democratic processes in the region were being compromised, witnesses said. Kargili highlighted that holding elections in December would effectively disenfranchise a vast segment of the electorate. He noted that approximately 20 to 25 percent of Ladakh’s population—including students, elderly individuals, and seasonal workers—migrates outside the UT during winter months. He questioned the fairness of conducting polls when a major portion of the populace is absent.
Asserting that public representation had been curtailed for years, Kargili criticized the administration for stalling meaningful dialogue and neglecting local land rights protections. “The entire Ladakh is united on this issue. The administration perhaps expected people to celebrate its notifications, but the response has been completely different,” he said.
The protest movement has garnered cross-party support, with representatives from the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and National Conference participating in Kargil. Concurrently, organizations in Leh, including the Ladakh Buddhist Association and Ladakh Gonpa Association, alongside prominent local religious institutions, have extended support to the demand for deferring the polls, sources said.
