Kargil shutdown: KDA opposes winter LAHDC elections in Ladakh

A complete shutdown was observed in Kargil on Tuesday in protest against the authorities’ decision to hold the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections during winter in Ladakh.

Businessmen and shopkeepers closed their establishments, demanding the postponement of the elections and a review of the recently completed delimitation process. Traffic on the roads was also considerably thinner than usual.

The strike, called by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), received support from various political and religious organisations, business bodies, and civil society representatives. As a precautionary measure, the administration deployed additional police personnel in different parts of the city.

KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili said the strike would continue until 5 p.m. However, essential services, including medical facilities and water supply, as well as school buses, were exempted from the shutdown.

The KDA has also announced a candlelight march in the evening under the banner of ‘Save Democracy’, alleging irregularities in the proposed delimitation process and the election schedule, besides accusing the administration of weakening democratic rights in Ladakh. The organisation alleged that the administration had taken unilateral decisions while ignoring the concerns of local residents and public representatives.

Ladakh MP Mohammad Hanifa has also written to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on the issue, demanding the postponement of the elections. He stated that the geographical conditions of Kargil and Leh, coupled with extreme winter conditions, could pose significant challenges to the voting process. Heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, closure of major roads, and disruption of transportation and communication services would make it difficult for voters in remote areas to reach polling stations.

The MP further stated that thousands of local residents, including elderly people, businessmen, and students, migrate to warmer regions during winter. Many students preparing for higher education and competitive examinations also stay outside Ladakh. Therefore, holding elections under such circumstances could deprive a large number of eligible voters of their democratic right to vote.

Highlighting the challenges faced by remote areas such as Dras, Zanskar, and Changthang, he said Ladakh’s vast geographical expanse, scattered population, and limited connectivity during winter must be taken into account while deciding the election dates.

He demanded adequate time for the revision of electoral rolls and consultations with elected representatives, political parties, and other stakeholders before finalising the election schedule.

Leh Apex Body chairman Chhering Dorjay also demanded that the LAHDC elections be postponed until April-May and the delimitation process be reviewed. He said a review was necessary to ensure proper representation in the constituencies.

The Ladakh administration has completed the delimitation of a total of 100 constituencies across the Union Territory’s eight districts. A 33 per cent reservation for women has also been approved. The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on November 10, while the schedule for the LAHDC elections has not yet been announced.