The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) on Friday announced a Ladakh Bandh and a peaceful rally on June 23, stating that the protest is organized to voice the "collective concerns" of the people of Ladakh regarding several key issues affecting the region.
Key Issues Raised
According to LBA leaders, the issues include the alleged delay by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in issuing the minutes of the meeting held between the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on May 22, 2026, the proposed new liquor policy, and concerns over alleged religious conversions being carried out by certain Christian missionary groups.
Meeting of Stakeholders
The leaders said a meeting to discuss the bandh call was attended by representatives of political parties, various stakeholders and community organizations, including the Hotel Association, Trade and Travel Alliance and the Travel Agents Association. During the meeting, participants expressed support for raising these issues through democratic and peaceful means.
Both organizations appealed to citizens, traders, hoteliers, transporters and employees to extend their wholehearted support to the bandh and participate in the peaceful rally in a disciplined and non-violent manner.
Joint Statement
“The bandh and rally aim to convey the collective voice of the people of Ladakh and seek timely attention and action on matters that have significant social, economic, cultural and administrative implications for the region,” the two organizations said in a joint statement.
Earlier this month, the Leh Apex Body, one of the two organizations representing Ladakh in talks with the Centre, said it had not signed the minutes of the May 22 meeting with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, alleging that a key issue discussed during the talks had been omitted from the official record.
Background
In May, the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance announced an “in-principle” understanding with the Union Government on restoring democracy in Ladakh and providing constitutional safeguards to the Union Territory. The organizations have since been awaiting the official minutes of the meeting from the MHA.
