Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has called on the BJP-led Central government to learn from the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh, pointing to underlying grievances in the region. The unrest, which erupted recently, highlights the community’s long-standing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
In a press conference held on Thursday, Abdullah attributed the violence to frustration over unfulfilled promises from the government. He emphasized that similar assurances had been made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding statehood, underscoring the need for accountability. “The government should take this incident seriously and reflect on the discontent brewing in regions like Ladakh,” he stated.
Abdullah articulated that the unrest primarily reflects local grievances rather than external influences. He noted peaceful protests led by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, including a hunger strike and a barefoot march from Leh to Delhi, as pivotal moments of civil engagement in the region. “It is essential to understand the voice of the people and not dismiss their concerns as mere disturbances,” he reiterated.
The former Chief Minister also raised alarms about potential risks in border areas, like Ladakh, especially against the backdrop of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region. He urged the Centre to initiate sincere dialogues with Ladakhi representatives to address aspirations and mitigate further unrest.
Recent violence in Leh has proved deadly, claiming four lives and injuring over 80 individuals, including police personnel. Protests escalated to the point where demonstrators set fire to BJP offices and police vehicles, prompting a police reaction that included the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
Comments from local leaders following the incident echo Abdullah’s concerns, emphasizing that lasting solutions require sincere engagement from the Central government. Abdullah’s remarks shine a light on the critical situation in Ladakh, revealing that local aspirations must be prioritized to prevent future discontent.
