Farooq Abdullah Links Leh Unrest to Broken Promises on Sixth Schedule, Statehood

Farooq Abdullah Links Leh Unrest to Broken Promises on Sixth Schedule, Statehoo

Srinagar, Sep 25 : National Conference Chief Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday attributed the recent unrest in Leh to growing frustration among locals over what he described as unfulfilled promises regarding inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Abdullah said the turmoil was a direct consequence of long-standing grievances that had gone unaddressed. He recalled that environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk had staged a hunger strike for 14 days and even walked barefoot from Leh to Delhi to draw attention to Ladakh’s demands, but the response from authorities remained indifferent.

“For five years, he has been silently protesting that Ladakh should be listed in the Sixth Schedule and granted statehood. When nothing came out of peaceful protests, the youth lost patience. They burned the BJP office, police vehicles, and several buildings. Police had to use guns. Reports suggest four people have died, many are in serious condition, and 60 to 80 people are injured and undergoing treatment,” Abdullah said.

He warned that the situation carried serious implications for national security given Ladakh’s strategic location. “This kind of incident happening in a border state is dangerous, especially when China is always trying to destabilise the country,” the NC Chief said.

Rejecting the narrative of external involvement, Abdullah insisted that the agitation was entirely indigenous. “I don’t think there is anyone behind this incident. This is the voice of the locals. They have been driven by neglect and disappointment,” he maintained.

Abdullah also drew parallels with Jammu and Kashmir, saying that repeated delays over statehood had eroded trust. “The government should learn a lesson from this. They had promised J&K as well that statehood will be given after delimitation and elections. But the promises remain unfulfilled. They should learn from Ladakh,” he said.

Calling for urgent action, Abdullah urged New Delhi to engage in dialogue and resolve the issues before they escalate further. “People of Ladakh have been let down. It is time to settle the matter through sincerity and swift decisions rather than empty assurances,” he said.

The press conference was attended by senior National Conference leaders Ali Muhammad Sagar, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, and Shamima Firdous, who flanked Abdullah as he addressed the media. (CNS)