Kargil, Ladakh bodies begin three-day protest

Srinagar: A three-day hunger strike began in Kargil on Saturday to press for the demands of statehood for Ladakh and for including the region in the sixth schedule of the Constitution.

The hunger strike was organised by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body Leh (ABL) at Hussaini Park in Kargil. The two bodies are protesting the delay in the dialogue process by the central government to discuss the demands of the people of Ladakh. "Together, we can build a future where Ladakh governs Ladakh. Three-day hunger strike (in support of) statehood for Ladakh, (its) inclusion under the sixth schedule of the Constitution, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil regions and establishment of a public service commission (PSC)," read a banner jointly put up by the KDA and ABL at the venue of the hunger strike.

Prominent KDA members carrying placards, some of which read 'end colonial treatment restore democracy, statehood - Sixth Schedule and strong Ladakh', gathered at the venue and chanted slogans, marking the beginning of their three-day hunger strike.