In a press conference held in Jammu on Thursday, Farooq Abdullah, the President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and former Chief Minister, urged the BJP-led Central government to learn a lesson from the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh. The unrest in Leh erupted as a result of long-standing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
Abdullah attributed the violence to widespread frustration over unfulfilled promises made by the government. He emphasized that the unrest reflects local grievances and not external influences. He drew attention to peaceful protests organized by local activist Sonam Wangchuk, which included a hunger strike and a barefoot march from Leh to Delhi.
Describing the situation in Ladakh as a critical issue, Abdullah stated that the violence should serve as a wake-up call for the government. He cautioned that ignoring the people’s aspirations could lead to more significant challenges in border areas, especially against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with China.
The violence resulted in the tragic loss of four lives and left over 80 people injured, including police personnel. Protesters reportedly set fire to BJP offices and police vehicles, prompting a severe response from law enforcement that included the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
Abdullah urged the Central government to engage in sincere dialogue with the residents of Ladakh. He emphasized that understanding local concerns could prevent further escalations and help build trust between the government and the people.
This unrest in Leh comes amid broader calls within Jammu and Kashmir for statehood, a sentiment that Abdullah highlighted as vital for restoring stability and governance in the region. He reiterated that the assurances made to Jammu and Kashmir regarding statehood remain unfulfilled, and thus, local anger is inevitable.
As tensions simmer in Ladakh, the need for effective governance and genuine engagement with the local population has never been more critical. Abdullah’s call for the government to take these lessons seriously is echoed by many who advocate for a peaceful and stable future for the region.
