Demands of Ladakhi people —Statement by Maj Gen S.G.Vombatkere

*Statement by Maj Gen S.G.Vombatkere (Retd), 30.09.2024*

Over 200 Ladakhi people of all ages, left Leh on 2nd September 2024, walking in peaceful procession over very difficult high-altitude, mountainous terrain, to reach Delhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, 2nd October 2024.

The purpose of the Ladakhis’ peaceful and disciplined procession led by Shri Sonam Wangchuk, is to express and convey the aspirations and demands of Ladakhi people to the Central Government.

Their main demands are:

1. Include Ladakh into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, because over 90% of Ladakhi people belong to Scheduled Tribes.

2. A Legislative Assembly for Ladakh - which is presently a Union Territory - so that the people of Ladakh may elect their own representatives with the power and authority to make and execute plans and take decisions, in the best interest of Ladakhi people and the ecologically sensitive region of Ladakh.

I consider the Ladakhis’ demands unexceptionable, and I urge the Central Government to accede to their legitimate demands without delay.