Modi Govt’s Weakness Enables China to Seize Ladakh Land: Congress
A day before polling for the Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, the Congress on Sunday accused the Modi government of subjecting the union territory to “malicious and step-motherly treatment” over the past decade. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted that Ladakhis have been enduring freezing temperatures to protest against their lack of control over land and water.
Ramesh emphasized that these protests, involving all eight tribes and over 30,000 people, have included hunger strikes and large marches. He criticized the August 2019 decision by the Modi government to strip Ladakh of its legislative representation, reducing it to a Union Territory without a legislature.
The Congress leader further alleged that the Modi government’s greed and its ties to corporate interests are jeopardizing Ladakh’s fragile ecosystems. He claimed that corporations, particularly in the mining sector, are eager to exploit Ladakh’s natural resources, a threat he believes will escalate if the Modi government remains in power.
Ramesh also pointed out that Ladakh is being “remote-controlled” from Delhi through a lieutenant governor, contributing to the region’s challenges. He noted that the influx of tourists and rapid urbanization are straining Ladakh’s resources, leading to significant water shortages.
On the security front, Ramesh accused the Modi government of weakness, allowing China to seize 2,000 square kilometers of land in Ladakh and reducing the number of patrolling points from 65 to 39. He mentioned that this Chinese occupation has directly impacted thousands of Ladakhis, especially indigenous shepherds who rely on grazing highland areas near the border.
To address these issues, the Congress ‘Nyay Patra’ promises Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh’s tribal areas, which would grant critical autonomy to local people and help protect their culture and the region’s ecosystem. Ramesh highlighted the importance of this autonomy for Ladakh’s stability and prosperity.
The Congress also presented a detailed plan to tackle environmental issues, climate change, and natural disasters in Ladakh. Ramesh asserted that the region will begin a healing process and return to prosperity and stability starting June 4.
Ladakh, known as India’s largest constituency by area, has approximately 1.84 lakh voters, with around 96,000 in Kargil district and over 88,000 in Leh district. The upcoming election is seen as a critical moment for addressing the region’s unique challenges and aspirations.
