Statehood – Ladakh Groups Announce Major Peaceful Rally in Leh on March 12
Statehood – Ladakh-based organisations have intensified their campaign demanding constitutional safeguards and full statehood, with a large peaceful demonstration planned in Leh later this week.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has announced that residents from across Ladakh will gather in Leh district on March 12 for a major public rally. The protest is being organised to express dissatisfaction over the delay in dialogue with the central government, the continued detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and the pending release of a judicial inquiry report related to the violence that occurred in September last year.
Call for Mass Participation in Leh
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey confirmed that preparations are underway for what organisers expect to be one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the region in recent months. According to him, the rally aims to demonstrate widespread public backing for Ladakh’s long-standing demands.
Dorjey said the organisation has appealed to people from villages, towns, and communities across the Union Territory to participate in significant numbers. The rally will highlight concerns over political representation, constitutional protection, and governance issues affecting the region.
The planned event also follows a large protest held on September 14, 2025, in Leh. That demonstration ended in tragedy after police firing resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to around 80 others. Organisers say the upcoming rally will remain strictly peaceful while continuing to draw attention to unresolved issues.
Possibility of Parallel Rally in Kargil
A similar demonstration may also take place in Kargil on the same day. Leaders of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are expected to meet shortly to decide whether to organise a parallel rally in their district.
KDA co-chairman Asgar Karabalai stated that discussions among alliance members will determine the final plan. If approved, the Kargil gathering would reflect joint solidarity with the demands being raised in Leh.
Both the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance represent broad coalitions of local stakeholders. Their membership includes political parties, community groups, trade organisations, religious bodies, and civil society representatives from the two main districts of Ladakh.
Joint Movement for Constitutional Safeguards
The LAB and KDA have been working together for several years to advocate for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the restoration of statehood. Supporters believe such measures would provide stronger protections for the region’s land, culture, environment, and employment opportunities.
The Sixth Schedule grants special administrative and legislative powers to certain tribal regions in India through autonomous councils. Leaders in Ladakh argue that similar provisions are necessary to safeguard local interests after the region was reorganised as a Union Territory in 2019.
Community leaders say these demands have broad support among residents who are concerned about the long-term impact of policy decisions on Ladakh’s fragile environment and traditional livelihoods.
Concerns Over Delay in Government Dialogue
Dorjey also expressed concern over what he described as a slowdown in discussions with the central government. According to him, representatives from Ladakh had participated in a meeting with government officials in New Delhi on February 4, where several key issues were discussed.
However, he said no further meetings have been scheduled since then. Local leaders had expected another round of talks soon after the February meeting, but no formal invitation has yet been received.
Dorjey stated that the absence of follow-up discussions has caused frustration among groups involved in the negotiations. He added that the planned rally is intended to remind authorities that the demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections remain urgent priorities for the people of Ladakh.
Awaiting Judicial Inquiry Report
Another issue likely to be raised during the rally is the delayed report of the Judicial Inquiry Commission investigating the violence of September 24, 2025. Families of those affected have been waiting for clarity regarding the circumstances that led to the police firing and the events surrounding the protest.
Community organisations say releasing the report would help restore public confidence and ensure accountability. Many residents hope the findings will provide a clearer understanding of what occurred during the unrest.
As the March 12 rally approaches, organisers continue to emphasise that the demonstration will remain peaceful and focused on constitutional and political concerns affecting the future of Ladakh.