LAHDC Polls: Apex body terms Ashok Koul’s statement as irresponsible, seeks apology

Leh: Scores of people in the Union Territory of Ladakh Wednesday staged a sit in protest against the statement of general secretary of BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, Ashok Koul who stated that the LAHDC, Leh election would be held on time and boycott is a no way forward.
Pertinently, an apex body of veteran religious, political and student leaders has unanimously called for a complete poll boycott of LAHDC, Leh polls scheduled to commence from 16 October.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer , people assembled at the grand dragon and shouted slogans against the BJP general secretary for his statement, terming it as “irresponsible”.
Later the leaders of the apex body addressed a joint press briefing and condemned the statement made by Ashok Koul.
The leaders said that they feel the statement given by BJP’s Ashok Koul is irresponsible and he has hurt the sentiments of people of Ladakh.
Demanding an apology from Ashok Koul, the leaders said that he should take back his words and tender an apology.
They said when the joint statement was issued, Leh BJP district president, Nawang Samstan was also present, he is one of the signatory, and the decision he took was considering the sentiments of people and future of Ladakh.
The leaders said that the statement was aimed to break the unity of Ladakhis and there seems to be some motive behind it.
Urging the central leadership, the leaders said that looking at the sentiments of the Ladakhis, the government must give the 6th schedule to Ladakh for securing the rights of local residents.
Pertinently, Ashok Koul is currently in Leh and has said that LAHDC, Leh would happen on time and boycott is not the way forward. “We are talking to the BJP functionaries in Leh and others who took part in the meeting,” he had said.
Region’s senior political leader and former CEC, Rigzin Spalbar said that they are demanding 6th schedule for Ladakh and no outsider should interfere since they don’t seek it from them and none has the right to interfere.
“When we don’t interfere into the affairs of others no one should interfere in our affairs and we are a part of democratic country. Also they can’t make us move like sheep or animals,” he said without naming Ashok Koul.
He said that Ladakh could not be controlled remotely as the local leaders very well know how to work for the tribal people.
BJP’s general secretary, Ashok Koul could not be contacted for his comments on the same as his phone was switched-off