Kargil, Nov 09 (KNO): The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), political parties, religious and social organisations, traders, transporters and hoteliers on Monday announced a complete shutdown across Kargil on November 10 to protest the proposed conduct of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections during winter.
The decision, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), was announced at a joint press conference attended by Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan, KDA leaders and representatives of various political and social groups.
KDA leader Sajad Kargili accused the Union Territory administration of taking unilateral decisions without consulting stakeholders. He raised concerns over the recent delimitation exercise for Hill Councils, alleging that demands from several areas had been ignored and that seat allocation did not adequately reflect population and geographical realities.
He said objections had been raised from Umba, Tappa, TSG Block, Drass and Shakar-Chiktan, while similar concerns had also emerged in Leh.
Kargili said holding elections in December would disenfranchise a section of voters, as many residents, including students, elderly people and businesspersons, move outside Ladakh during winter.
MP Haji Hanifa Jan said he had raised the issue with the Lieutenant Governor and the State Election Commissioner, urging them to consider Ladakh's geographical and climatic conditions before scheduling polls.
He said winter elections could deprive many people of their right to vote and added that written objections had already been submitted regarding the delimitation exercise.
The leaders also demanded restoration of the powers of Hill Councils and urged the State Election Commission to consult elected representatives and local stakeholders before proceeding further.
As part of the protest, a "Save Democracy" candle march will be held at Kargil headquarters after Maghrib prayers on November 10.
The shutdown will remain in force from morning till 5 pm and cover traders, transporters, hoteliers, associations and private vehicles. However, vehicles carrying patients, water supply, essential commodities and school buses will be exempted.
The organisers warned that the agitation would intensify if the administration failed to defer the proposed elections and address concerns related to delimitation. They appealed to residents of Kargil, Drass, Shankoo, Zanskar and other parts of Ladakh to support the shutdown and participate in the candle march—(KNO)