Leh: A large human chain was formed in Leh today as people from across communities gathered to demand postponement of the upcoming LAHDC Leh elections until issues of delimitation and inclusiveness are addressed.
Participants said the demonstration was a peaceful reminder to the government that the existing Hill Council structure, framed 25 years ago, no longer matches the new realities of Ladakh as a Union Territory.
Community leaders argued that constituencies are unevenly represented, pointing out that Lower Leh with nearly 12,000 voters has only one councillor, while other regions with similar population figures have multiple representatives.
They called for an increase in the number of councillors and executive councillors, stressing that a rationalised delimitation would ensure fair representation for every community and region.
The demonstrators appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to take note of their memorandum and forward it to the central government.
They emphasised that their movement is not against any group but for an inclusive and empowered Hill Council that can safeguard Ladakh’s interests until larger constitutional protections, such as statehood or Sixth Schedule status, are achieved.
Organisers concluded by vowing to continue peaceful protests, including further human chain events, until their demands are met.
