NAPM supports the democratic demands and people’s movement for Constitutional Safeguards in Ladakh!
Government of India must decide and act promptly on the fast by Sonam Wangchuk and thousands of citizens of Ladakh!
23 rd March, 2024: Today is the 18th day of his 21 days of fasting, and along with him,hundreds of people of Ladakh are also observing relay-fast for the movement. The demand of the movement is to achieve decentralized democracy and via that actual, sustainable, environment-friendly development! From the Constitutional perspective, the demand to recognize Ladakh as a State and include it in the Sixth Schedule are very important and necessary. We, the National Alliance of
People’s Movements (NAPM), fully support this demand, rooted in justice. In addition, other demands that need attention are that of one Member of Parliament each from Leh and Kargil and formulation of Public Service Commission for the employment of local youth.
It is because a region like Ladakh has come under constant attack in the name of ‘development’ and the opinions of the local people have not been prioritized, the
result is that the citizens there are asking for the right to participate in the development planning through their inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. It is
incorrect to brant those raising this demand as ‘anti-development’. This also proves that the call for ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is a hoax. The truth is that because
Constitutional rights under Articles 243 and 244 and PESA Act in adivasi areas are not implemented well, the development planning is happening undemocratically in
large parts of the country, on the basis of capitalism, market economy and politics.
....NAPM extends full solidarity with the people’s movement in Ladakh and demands the Government of India to fulfil their aspirations. That even after
completion of 18 days of fast in such freezing temperatures, the Government is unwilling to engage in concrete dialogue only shows their lack of empathy. We
warn the Union Government that it should not disrespect the people of Ladakh and uphold truth and justice, else the movement will only get stronger...