The President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and former Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, called upon the BJP-led Central government to heed the lessons from the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh. The unrest has roots in long-standing demands for statehood and greater autonomy under the Sixth Schedule.
In a press conference held on Thursday, Abdullah pointed out that frustration regarding unfulfilled promises largely fueled the violence, which has left four individuals dead and more than 80 injured, including police personnel. He noted that similar assurances had previously been made to Jammu and Kashmir, further exacerbating the local discontent.
He stated that the turmoil reflects genuine local grievances rather than external influences, drawing attention to the peaceful protests led by Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk, a well-known reformist from Ladakh, organized a hunger strike and undertook a barefoot march from Leh to Delhi to emphasize the community’s demands. Abdullah highlighted that these actions underscore the pressing need for the government to engage with the aspirations of Ladakhi people genuinely.
Abdullah emphasized the growing risks in border regions like Ladakh, particularly in light of China’s disruptive behaviour. He implored the Centre to initiate sincere dialogues with local stakeholders to prevent further escalation of tensions. The lives lost, and the injuries sustained during these protests further illustrate the urgent necessity for the government to address local issues rather than imposing solutions from afar.
The violence erupted following a series of protests where demonstrators burned down the BJP office, attacked police vehicles, and destroyed other property. In response, law enforcement utilized tear gas and live rounds, an action Abdullah criticized as an inadequate response to legitimate grievances.
He reiterated that local voices deserve to be heard and that the government’s failure to respond adequately can lead to dire consequences. The unrest in Leh highlights the importance of addressing regional aspirations and restoring faith in the political process.
As the situation unfolds, Abdullah’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the need for a robust political dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP government must engage deeply with the regions affected and learn from the past to prevent cycles of violence in the future.
