Leh/Kargil, November 23 (News Desk/Scoop News) – Carrying on its campaign against corruption and misgovernance in the state, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today held demonstrations in the Ladakh region. Coming on the heels of similar protests in Kashmir and Jammu regions the demonstrations in Leh and Kargil district headquarters attracted large number of workers and sympathisers.
In Leh a rally was held at the parade ground which later went through the main markets which observed a complete strike for half day. The call for half day’s bandh was given by the district unit of the party headed by Tashi Gyalson. The protesters carried placards highlighting the failures of Omar Abdullah government and the problems faced by the cold desert region.
In his address to the gathering the district president Tashi Gyalson said the Ladakh region was empowered for the first time by the government lead by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed that had given it a sense of participation in governance. He said the region also received first time in its history a political representation at the highest level.
He said the present government had failed to respond to the problems faced by people of Ladakh and Kargil. Highlighting local issues Tashi said that promises made by LAHDC have turned to be hollow as employment, development and social security has rolled back in Ladakh despite Crores of rupees received for welfare programmes. The money spent has only reached to the pockets of elite, officials and influential people.
Tashi criticised the present recruitment policy and termed it a yet another gimmick taken by NC led coalition which had threatened the career of youth in the state. The government instead of resolving the problems of masses spent Lakhs of rupees on advertisements in news papers claiming ‘steadfast’ development. The expenditure made on roads and beautification of Leh is done on discriminatory basis to get political mileage and that such expenditure is made only to benefit favourite contractors.
He also stressed for adequate and equitable distribution of essential supplies in winters and appealed to the government to provide subsidized aeroplane tickets so that people of Leh get respite in the harsh winter months.
PDP, Leh also stressed on the opening of the ancient trading route via Turtuk and also to open Kialash Mansorovar route to help grow the local economy, and asked government to consider the matter seriously in the interest of people of this remote but strategically important place. The demonstrators also demanded urgent opening of Kargil Skardu route and construction of Zojilla tunnel.
In Kargil the protest was lead by District president Advocate Murtaza Hussein.