Leh, Sept 24, KNT: The ongoing agitation in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule entered its 14th day on Wednesday, with tensions flaring in Leh after two women protesters fell ill and had to be hospitalised.
The protesters, identified as Sri Anchuk and Anchuk Dolma, collapsed during the demonstration and were rushed to a nearby hospital. The incident provoked unrest among the gathering, leading to stone pelting at the Leh Hill Council building. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to control the situation, which officials described as tense but under control.
The protest is being spearheaded by the people of Ladakh which have been pressing for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh. Organisers said the central government has set October 6 as the date for a decision on the matter, but the protesters are demanding an earlier resolution. “Our demand is immediate action. The people of Ladakh cannot wait any longer,” one protesting leader said.
Sajad Kargali, a member of the organising committee in Kargil, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that Kargil will observe a complete shutdown tomorrow, on Thursday in support of the agitation. “The movement is gaining momentum. Tomorrow, Kargil will remain shut to show solidarity and send a strong message to New Delhi,” he said.
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Over the past two weeks, the protest has drawn large crowds, with men, women and youth actively participating. Protesters continue to demand constitutional safeguards and political rights for Ladakh, while authorities have kept security arrangements tight around sensitive buildings and protest sites. [KNT]
