Demand for 6th Schedule gains momentum
Leh, Sep 24: Locals from Leh who celebrated the abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year, today staged a protest against ruling Bhartiya Janata Party demanding protection of land and jobs under the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution.
The protesters who were carrying placards and banners raised slogans against BJP leader Ashok Koul who had termed the decision of ‘People’s Movement for Sixth Schedule for Ladakh’ boycotting Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council elections and demanding 6th Schedule as ‘non-sense’.
Eyewitnesses told news agency KNT that amid shutdown, protesters marched through Leh market and demanded implementation of Sixth Schedule that guarantees protection of land, jobs and culture of any region.
The protesters were carrying black banners criticizing the BJP leader Ashok Koul. “Shame on Ashok Koul,’ ‘People stand for 6th Schedule’ were some of the slogans painted on the banners. Police personnel were seen persuading protesters to end their protest who continued their protest for hours together.
Meanwhile, on the call of ‘People’s Movement for Sixth Schedule for Ladakh’ market in Leh remained shut and transport was not seen on the roads. Security was beefed up in Leh to maintain law and order.
Ladakh was made Union Territory last year in August and it was separated from Jammu and Kashmir much against the wishes of people of Kargil. BJP workers in Leh had supported it while in Kargil people had opposed the decision.
Pertinently, apex body of ‘Peoples Movement for Sixth Schedule for Ladakh’ has decided to boycott the upcoming elections for Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council elections till Government of India doesn’t safeguard the territorial integrity of the region.
