Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 25 (ANI): National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that his party has never given up on the “Gandhian way” but expressed concern over the potential actions of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth after witnessing the violent protest in Ladakh over the statehood demands.
Addressing a press conference, Farooq Abdullah said, “National Conference has never given up on the Gandhian way. We have never picked up stones or hurled bombs. In fact, we have made sacrifices…Kal kya hoga hamare bacche kya karenge, uska mai kuch nahi keh sakta (I cannot say what our children will do tomorrow.)”
The unrest in Leh stemmed from long-standing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. People in Jammu and Kashmir have also made a similar demand of statehood ever since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Farooq attributed the violence to frustration over unfulfilled promises, emphasising that similar assurances had been made to Jammu and Kashmir regarding statehood. He stressed the unrest reflects local grievances, not external influences, highlighting Sonam Wangchuk’s peaceful protests, including a hunger strike and barefoot march from Leh to Delhi.
The JKNC chief also warned of risks in border areas, such as Ladakh, especially with China’s destabilisation efforts, and urged the Centre to engage in sincere talks with the people of Ladakh to address their aspirations and prevent further escalation.
“The reason behind the violence was that he (Sonam Wangchuk) was on a hunger strike for 14 days… For five years, he has been silently protesting over there that they should be listed in the sixth schedule and also be granted statehood. He even walked barefoot from Leh to Delhi to make himself seen… The youth might have thought that the promises made five years ago were all hollow. As a result, they couldn’t contain their discontent and chose the path of violence. They burned the BJP office, police vehicles, and many other buildings. Police had to use guns and as per reports, four people have died and many are serious,” Abdullah said.
“60-80 people are injured and undergoing treatment… This kind of incident happening in a border state is dangerous for national security, especially when China is always trying to destabilise the country… This should be resolved at the earliest without waiting for another spark. I dont think there is anyone behind this incident… This is the voice of the locals… The government should learn a lesson from this. They had promised J&K as well, that statehood will be given after delimitation and elections… They should learn from Ladakh,” he added.
The unrest followed a 14-day hunger strike by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been peacefully protesting for these demands for five years, even undertaking a notable barefoot walk from Leh to Delhi.
Authorities in Leh have imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. According to an order from the District Magistrate, an assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district; no procession, rally or march is to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh.
It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. A series of meetings was held with them through the formal channels of the High-Powered Committee (HPC), as well as the Sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings with leaders.
The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results, increasing reservations for the Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45% to 84%, providing one-third of the seats in the councils for women, and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. With this process, recruitment for 1,800 posts was also commenced.
The next meeting of the High-Powered Committee has been scheduled for 6th October. Meetings are also planned for 25th and 26th September with leaders from Ladakh. (ANI)
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