Ladakh's Apex Body Leh (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are set to stage a peace march and a symbolic blackout to voice their concerns over alleged administrative overreach and the killings that occurred on September 24. These groups are demanding a judicial inquiry into the recent violence, the release of detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk, and compensation for the victims.
The decision to hold these protests was made in a joint meeting of the core committees of both the LAB and the KDA. The date for the protest will be announced shortly. The protest will include a two-hour silent march starting at 10 am, followed by a three-hour blackout beginning at 6 pm.
According to the co-chairman of KDA, Asgar Ali Karbalai, the purpose of the march and blackout is to highlight that "Ladakh is still in darkness and is engulfed in an atmosphere of fear". Karbalai, along with co-chairman of LAB Chering Dorjay Lakruk and Ladakh MP Mohd Haneefa Jan, addressed reporters to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
The LAB and KDA have stated that these demands must be met before they resume dialogue with the Union Home Ministry. They are currently in communication with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Territory administration, having formally submitted their demands for resuming discussions, which include a judicial inquiry by a Supreme Court.
These demonstrations are part of a larger movement advocating for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The groups are seeking Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory. They feel that as long as they do not receive justice and constitutional rights, particularly statehood and Sixth Schedule status, they will continue to protest.
In April 2024, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) had planned a march to the China border but called it off due to the local administration's "non-cooperation". The motive behind that march was to assess whether pastures in the region were being taken over for industrial projects and if any Indian land had been taken by China.
