Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 25: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday expressed concern over the prevailing situation in Ladakh, saying the protests reflected growing uneasiness among people about their land, jobs, and cultural identity.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the PDP president said Ladakh, which had historically remained peaceful, was witnessing agitation for the first time after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
“People in Ladakh had initially welcomed Union Territory status with the hope of more rights. But today they fear losing their land, resources and fragile environment to outside interests,” she said.
Referring to the ongoing agitation led by environment activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike, she said, “He has genuine demands to protect Ladakh’s fragile environment, land and jobs. Instead of listening, the Centre is allowing matters to worsen. Even a peaceful person like him has now run out of patience.”
Mehbooba said people in Ladakh fear a large-scale influx from outside, threatening their culture and fragile ecosystem. “Most of their land is already with the Army. The remainder is being eyed for big business projects—hotels, resorts, and solar projects. They see their future slipping away if Sixth Schedule protections are not extended to them,” she added.
Mehbooba Mufti said incidents of violence in recent days should serve as a warning sign. “Ladakh’s environment and demography are extremely sensitive. The Centre must act through concrete steps, not words, to reassure the local population,” she said.
