Ladakh Leaders Call for Peaceful Protests on March 16 Amid Statehood Demands
As protests are scheduled to take place in both districts of Ladakh—Leh and Kargil—on Monday, March 16, local leaders have issued a strong appeal to the youth to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful. The protests are centered on two key demands: inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the granting of statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Organizations Behind the Protest Call
The protest call for March 16 has been initiated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which represent a broad coalition of social, political, and religious groups across Ladakh. In anticipation of the demonstrations, extensive security arrangements have been implemented throughout the region to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions.
Schedule and Logistics of the Protests
According to organizers, the protest in Leh district is set to commence at 11:00 AM, while the demonstration in Kargil will begin at 1:30 PM. Participants in both districts are expected to gather at designated locations before proceeding with rallies, after which they will disperse peacefully. Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, co-convenor of the Leh Apex Body, confirmed that a preparatory meeting was held with district administration and police officials on Sunday to discuss logistics and ensure a smooth event.
Lakruk stated, "The administration urged us to maintain peace during the protest. We have assured them that there will be no violence, and everything will remain peaceful." He further emphasized that senior leaders have actively encouraged youth members to stay calm and avoid any confrontational behavior during the demonstrations.
Context and Background of the Demands
When questioned about the decision to proceed with protests despite the recent release of activist Sonam Wangchuk—whose detention under the National Security Act was revoked on Saturday—Lakruk clarified that the demonstrations aim to highlight longstanding and unresolved issues faced by the people of Ladakh. Wangchuk had been detained following protests in September 2025, which resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries when demands for Sixth Schedule status and statehood turned violent.
In recent developments, the Union Government has transferred former Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to Himachal Pradesh as Governor, appointing VK Saxena as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. The KDA and LAB have been engaged in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding their constitutional and political demands, with their last meeting held on February 4. Following that session, the groups have requested another round of talks to seek a resolution.
Expected Participation and Messaging
Asgar Ali Karbalai, co-chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, projected that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 individuals are anticipated to participate in the protest and rally in Kargil. Protesters plan to carry placards and chant slogans in support of their demands. Karbalai remarked, "For the past six years, we have been raising these issues, but the Centre has not taken any concrete action." He assured that the protests would be entirely peaceful, with this message communicated to all stakeholders in advance.
Traffic and Security Measures
In response to the planned events, traffic police in Leh have issued an advisory to manage vehicle movement, which may be impacted by the protest rally. The advisory stipulates that parking will only be permitted at designated areas identified by the administration, with unauthorized parking subject to towing and penalties under relevant rules. Additionally, certain roads may be temporarily closed or diverted during the rally, and commuters are advised to follow traffic diversions and instructions from on-duty personnel.
Government Response and Regional Impact
In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Home Affairs affirmed that the government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh to address local aspirations and concerns. However, the ministry noted that the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has adversely affected regional peace, impacting students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators, tourists, and the overall economy of Ladakh.
This protest underscores the persistent tensions in Ladakh as residents continue to advocate for enhanced constitutional protections and political autonomy through peaceful means, amid calls for dialogue and resolution from both local leaders and central authorities.
