Kargil/Srinagar: CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Wednesday expressed solidarity with the people of Ladakh and said that the centre needs to listen to their voices.
“We never desired for Ladakh to be separated from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, it happened abruptly against our wishes. While a faction of society in Leh was demanding Union Territory status for Ladakh and celebrated it later, they now acknowledge the drawbacks and express a preference for constitutional guarantees for their empowerment,” said Tarigami.
He further said that there is a unified call for constitutional guarantees under the sixth schedule. “We share a common history and concerns for Ladakh, resonating deeply with the aspirations of its people.
It’s imperative for the government of India to heed their voices and address their grievances promptly,” said the CPI(M) leader.
Tarigam said that the charter of demands of the Apex Body of Leh and Kargil Development Alliance (KDA) includes safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, a constitutional provision safeguarding tribal culture as 90% of the population in this region is tribal. Protection of rights of land & jobs besides other demands.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir stand in solidarity with Ladakh, advocating for democratic rights and constitutional assurances. We urge the Government of India to recognise that these artificial lines cannot divide us and the arbitrary divisions imposed on August 5, 2019, cannot fracture our unity.
Braving sub-zero temperatures, renowned and widely respected environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike for these concerns. We express our solidarity with the people of Ladakh in support of their genuine demands,” he added.
