Ladakh leaders call off hunger strike as MHA agrees to discuss Statehood, constitutional safeguards

Ladakh civil society groups call off hunger strike after Centre agrees to discuss Statehood and tribal status demands.

Ladakh civil society groups have called off an indefinite hunger strike scheduled from Tuesday after a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday.

The Centre has agreed to discuss their demands, which include Statehood for Ladakh, granting the region tribal status through inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and constitution of a Public Service Commission for Ladakh, in a meeting on February 24.

Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Ladakh, Thupstan Chhewang (76), and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk had announced an indefinite hunger strike from Tuesday to demand constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory.

On February 3, Ladakh observed a complete shutdown as thousands gathered in Leh with demands to protect its cultural identity, environment, job reservation for locals, and a parliamentary seat each for Leh and Kargil.

A day before the February 3 shutdown, the MHA had invited the civil society leaders for the second round of high-powered committee dialogue, which was scheduled on Monday.

The committee comprises members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and is headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai.

On Monday, LAB and KDA issued a statement that a joint sub-committee will be constituted for carrying forward the exercise. The sub-committee will comprise Mr. Chhewang, Chering Dorjay Lakrook and Nawang Rigzin Jora, representing the LAB, and Qamar Ali Akhoon, Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili from the KDA. The statement said that the names of the members have been conveyed to Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.