Srinagar: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday said the people of Ladakh are now facing the consequences of the 2019 decision that separated the region from Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that their long-standing demands deserve serious attention from the Central Government.
Speaking to reporters at Nilgrath Sonmarg, Ruhullah said Ladakhis had peacefully demanded statehood and constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule for the last five years, but their appeals went unheard. He said the recent violent incident in Leh was being used to tarnish their movement.
“The unfortunate episode in Leh is being misused to defame their struggle. Instead of addressing their aspirations, they are being maligned. It is unfair to brand patriots as anti-national. If they wish to rejoin Jammu and Kashmir, we are with them. If they seek 6th Schedule protections, we are equally with them. The people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full support to Ladakh,” Ruhullah said.
Turning his criticism towards New Delhi, the Central Kashmir MP said the ruling dispensation pays little heed to the voices of people. “Those in power in Delhi care nothing for the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our demands go beyond statehood. We also want restoration of special status. When we raise these issues democratically, the least the government can do is listen,” he remarked.
Ruhullah also endorsed the recent statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had called for keeping the BJP away from power in the Union Territory. “It is important for us to ensure that the BJP does not come back to power in Jammu and Kashmir. People have given their mandate, and it must be respected,” he said. [KNT]
