Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Ladakh region, the leaders of various political parties express dismay over “regionalism” and “polarisation” that according to them is vitiating the atmosphere in the region.
Ladakh forming one Lok Sabha seat, comprises two districtsLeh and Kargil with a total population of around 4 lakh. The division is dominatedby Buddhists in Leh and Muslims in Kargil. There are approximately 48 to 49 percent Buddhists and 51 to 52 per cent Muslims in the division.
Congress’ Leh district president Sri Namgyal while referringto “stitching of the poll alliance by the Congress and the National Conferencein the state”, stresses that the mandate for the Lok Sabha seat in Ladakhshould be given to one who is “more acceptable across the region and can winthe seat for the Congress”.
Talking about the “wave of regionalism” and “polarisation”in Leh and Kargil, he said it was unfortunate that some sections of the peoplein Ladakh “are trying to resort to undemocratic ways which is not good for theregion as a whole.”
He sounds confident that the “educated class of the societywill understand the pros and cons of polarisation and regionalism, and willsupport a candidate and a party having manifesto of inclusiveness.”
Sri Karbelay, Congress’ Ex MLA/CEC Kargil, said: “We haverequested for mandate for Kargil this time. But it all depends on the decisionby the Congress high command.”
On “regionalism” and “polarisation”, he said it wasunfortunate for any society or region “to fight on these bases.”
He hoped good sense will prevail amongst all Ladakhis and”whatever issues they have, will be solved amicably as was done in the case ofthe divisional status and the cluster university.”
According to Haji Inayat Ali, chairman J&K legislativecouncil, “There has always been a problem and an issue between the districts ofLeh and Kargil. It would be healthy for the region if people of both thedistricts sit and discuss their demands and problems and come to a commonsolution that is feasible for both.”
According to him Ladakh can see the development only if Lehand Kargil come together and concede for an independent candidate “who can workfor the development of Ladakh keeping in view of overall scenario of the regionwhich is totally different from other parts of country”.
District President PDP Leh, Tashi Theres said so far theparty has not decided whether to contest in the region or not.
District president NC Sri Angchuk Lardakh also expresseddismay over what he said “a wave of polarisation, intolerance and regionalism”in the name of Leh and Kargil in the region.
“A wave even on religious lines is polluting and disturbingthe fragile socio cultural system of Ladakh which is really very sad and not ahealthy sign for Ladakhis,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP has already kick started its campaign forLadakh Lok Sabha 2019.
CEC LAHDC Leh addressed a public and BJP party workers’ inLeh targeting the Congress party.
The expected candidates of BJP for the Lok Sabha Ladakh seatare Sri Tsering Dorjay MLC Leh and Sri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal CEC Leh. Whileas the expected Congress candidate is ex CEC LAHDC Leh Rigzin Spalbar, sourcessaid.