Congress Criticizes Amit Shah’s Ladakh Visit, Ignoring Statehood Demands

The Congress party has taken aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Ladakh, accusing him of neglecting the local populace’s persistent demand for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This criticism comes amid a backdrop of growing unrest and calls for greater autonomy in the region.

Jairam Ramesh, a prominent Congress leader, voiced his concerns by highlighting Shah’s silence regarding crucial issues faced by the people of Ladakh. According to Ramesh, Shah’s visit appears to prioritize the celebration of the holy relics of Lord Buddha over addressing pressing local demands for statehood, protection of land rights, and employment opportunities. This visit marks Shah’s first trip to the Union Territory since violent protests erupted last September, which tragically resulted in the deaths of four demonstrators due to police action.

The backdrop to this controversy dates back to August 2019, when the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government revoked the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. This decision bifurcated the state into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, leaving the latter without a legislative assembly. The absence of local governance has ignited fears among the residents regarding their land, natural resources, and the preservation of their unique cultural identity.

During Shah’s visit, which coincides with a two-week-long exposition of the holy relics starting on Buddh Purnima, he is expected to engage with local leaders and community members. However, the Congress party argues that unless concrete steps are taken to address the demands for statehood and legislative protections, such gestures will be seen as mere optics.

The call for statehood is not just a political maneuver; it reflects a deep-seated concern among the people of Ladakh about their rights and identity. Many locals have expressed fears that without adequate legislative support, their cultural heritage and livelihoods could be jeopardized. The ongoing discussions around the Sixth Schedule, which provides for greater autonomy and recognition of tribal areas, further underscore the urgency of this issue.

Source: scroll.in