Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and former Chief Minister, has urged the BJP-led Central government to learn from the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh. The violence erupted amid rising frustration over longstanding demands for statehood and proper inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Abdullah made these remarks during a press conference on Thursday.
He highlighted that the unrest reflects deep local grievances rather than external influences. The recent violence traces back to unmet promises, as similar assurances regarding statehood were made to Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to the current discontent.
Abdullah specifically pointed out the peaceful protests led by local activist Sonam Wangchuk, which included a hunger strike and a barefoot march from Leh to Delhi. These actions underscore growing frustrations among the people of Ladakh regarding their political and economic situation.
The former Chief Minister warned that unrest in border areas like Ladakh poses distinct risks, particularly given ongoing tensions with China. He urged the Central government to engage sincerely with the local population to address their aspirations and prevent potential escalation of the situation.
According to reports, the recent unrest has resulted in four fatalities and over 80 injuries, impacting both protesters and police personnel. The violence saw protesters setting fire to a BJP office, police vehicles, and various other buildings. In response, police employed tear gas and live ammunition to control the situation.
Abdullah’s call for introspection comes at a crucial time for the Central government as it navigates complex issues in the region. With the future of Ladakh under discussion, the need for dialogue and understanding the local sentiments cannot be overstated.
