A large protest rally was carried out in Ladakh's Kargil district on Monday (August 11, 2025) at the end of a three-day hunger strike, demanding statehood and its inclusion in the sixth schedule of the Constitution for higher autonomy.
The three-day hunger strike, followed by the protest, was carried out by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LPA), with the active participation of social, religious, and political organizations from the region. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan, LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, and KDA co-chairman Azgar Ali Karbalai also took part in the protest rally.
Sajad Kargali, a member of the KDA, said, "Kargil witnessed a massive protest demanding statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the sixth schedule, the establishment of a Public Service Commission, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil", reported by The Hindu.
Calling it a historic event, Kargali said, "The Government of India must listen to the people of Ladakh and take concrete steps to restore democracy and Constitutional rights in the region."
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had also emphasized the need to restore constitutional rights in Ladakh. While addressing the protestors, he had said, "My participation was to convey unity between the people of Kargil and Leh in their demand for statehood and necessary safeguards."
He also accused Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta of plotting to arrest him. He said, "My well-wishers told me that I will be charged with sedition. When I didn't fear sitting on a hunger strike at minus 40 degrees at Khardung La Pass, why should I fear jail? It will only strengthen Ladakhi agitation."
MP Haneefa added, "We have been forced to go on a hunger strike due to the delaying tactics adopted by the Centre in scheduling fresh talks."
Ladakh was declared a Union territory, separated from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Ever since then, the KDA and LAB have been demanding special status for Ladakh to protect its distinct identity and ecology. The two groups have been engaged in several rounds of talks with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs under a four-point agenda. A fresh round of talks was supposed to be held in July, but couldn't take place due to unspecified reasons.
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