Sonmarg, Sept 27: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday said Ladakh is now facing the fallout of the 2019 decision that separated the region from Jammu and Kashmir, urging the Centre to take the region’s demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule seriously.
Speaking to reporters at Nilgrath Sonmarg, Ruhullah said Ladakhis had pursued their demands peacefully for the past five years, but their voices went unheard. He alleged that the recent violence in Leh was being used to discredit their movement.
“The unfortunate incident in Leh is being misused to malign their struggle. Instead of addressing their aspirations, they are being defamed. It is unjust to label patriots as anti-national. If they want to rejoin Jammu and Kashmir, we stand with them. If they demand Sixth Schedule protections, we are equally with them. The people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full solidarity to Ladakh,” he said.
Criticising the Centre, the Central Kashmir MP said New Delhi has ignored the democratic aspirations of people in the Union Territory. “Our demands go beyond statehood. We also seek restoration of special status. When people raise their voices democratically, the government should at least listen,” he remarked.
Ruhullah also backed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent call to block the BJP’s return to power in J&K. “It is crucial to ensure the BJP does not come back to power. The people have given their mandate, and it must be honoured,” he added.
