Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately initiate talks with the people of Ladakh amid violent clashes over statehood demands, warning that if the void persists, China could exploit the situation. His remarks followed Wednesday’s unrest in Leh, where four people were killed and over 80 injured during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB).
Call for Dialogue Over Force
Abdullah stressed that Ladakh, being a sensitive border state, requires urgent attention. He criticized the government’s approach of using force, arrests, and CBI investigations, stating that such actions would only worsen the situation. Rejecting the government’s claims that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was responsible for the violence, Abdullah defended Wangchuk’s Gandhian methods and said the unrest reflected frustration among youth who felt betrayed by unfulfilled promises of statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards.
Criticism of BJP and Broken Promises
Dismissing BJP’s attempt to blame Congress for the violence, Abdullah noted that the ruling party has controlled Ladakh since 2019. He argued that the unrest stemmed from the Centre’s failure to deliver on its promises, drawing a parallel with Jammu and Kashmir where statehood remains unfulfilled. Abdullah warned that if the Centre failed to act swiftly, China could take advantage of Ladakh’s unrest given its strategic interest in the region.
Concerns Over China and Global Standing
Abdullah contradicted the government’s claims that no Indian territory had been occupied, asserting that China had indeed taken land and restricted Indian patrols. He also touched on international relations, pointing out that the US had criticized India for buying Russian oil amid the Ukraine war, suggesting that India faced increasing global scrutiny. He concluded by urging the Centre to resolve Ladakh’s demands before external threats further destabilize the region.
