Ladakh groups demand delaying LAHDC polls; announce shutdown, threaten sustained stir

Leh: The agitating groups in Ladakh on Monday opposed holding LAHDC elections during winter months and demanded a review of the recently concluded delimitation exercise, and announced a complete shutdown in Kargil and a candlelight march under the banner of 'Save Democracy' on November 10.

They also warned of a sustained agitation, citing alleged government apathy towards Ladakh's demands, a lack of progress in the ongoing dialogues with the Centre, delays in delivering justice to those killed and injured in the September 2025 firing, and alleged attempts to undermine the region's democratic voice and suppress public movements.

The administration has completed delimitation of 100 constituencies across Ladakh's eight districts and approved 33 per cent reservations for women.

The final electoral rolls are due on November 10. However, no schedule for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections has been announced so far.

In Kargil, representatives of various political and religious organisations, trade bodies and civil society groups under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a complete shutdown on November 10, followed by a candlelight march, protesting the proposed timing of the hill council elections, delimitation irregularities and erosion of democratic rights in the Union territory.

The shutdown will be observed from morning until 5 pm, with essential services, including medical facilities, water supply and school buses, exempted, KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili told reporters.

Flanked by Ladakh Lok Sabha MP Haji Hanifa Jan and civil society representatives, Kargili said a candlelight march under the banner of 'Save Democracy' will be held in the evening on November 10.

Kargili accused the UT administration of imposing decisions unilaterally and ignoring public concerns over the delimitation of the hill council constituencies.

"The politics of imposing decisions on the people of Ladakh must come to an end. The people of Ladakh must be given democracy in its true sense," he said, claiming that the hill councils had been rendered ineffective through the withdrawal of their powers.

Ladakh MP Hanifa Jan also opposed holding the LAHDC elections in December, citing harsh winter conditions and seasonal migration.

He said around 20-25 per cent of Ladakh's population leaves the region during winter, potentially depriving many voters the opportunity to participate in the elections.

"I have already raised our concerns with the lieutenant governor and the chief electoral officer, but it seems they are adamant to go ahead with the polls in December," he said, urging the administration to hold the polls after the weather conditions improve.

Leh Apex Body chairman Chering Dorjay also opposed holding LAHDC elections during the harsh winter months, calling for their postponement until April-May, and a review of the delimitation exercise to ensure proper constituency representation.

Addressing a press conference in Leh, he also expressed anger over the delay in the findings of the judicial commission constituted following the September 2025 firing incidents, demanding justice for those killed and injured, along with compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased and appropriate compensation for the others affected.

Dorjay alleged that land previously allotted to the affected families by the LAHDC had been reallocated despite completion of formalities.

Announcing a fresh phase of agitation, he said a sustained movement would begin within the next two to three days.

"We will demonstrate our public strength. Today, from this very platform, we are sounding the bugle for the next phase of the agitation," he said, urging people across Ladakh to unite and stand up for their democratic rights, land, culture and identity.

Dorjay said the Centre had scheduled a meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs sub-committee with their representatives for October 22 in New Delhi, but the groups had not received a formal invitation till date.

"We have started to realise that the home ministry is not sincere in resolving the issue," he said, expressing disappointment over the Centre's failure to carry forward the dialogue.

He said the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gonpa Association have decided to boycott all upcoming elections, including the municipal committee and panchayat polls scheduled for November 21.

Tensions boiled over in Leh on September 24, 2025, after a youth-led protest demanding constitutional protections escalated into a clash with security forces, leaving four dead and dozens injured.

(This story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)