KARGIL/JAMMU, November 10: Kargil district in Ladakh observed a complete shutdown on Tuesday as political organisations, trade bodies and civil society groups protested against the proposed holding of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections during the winter months.
The protesters demanded postponement of the elections and a review of the recently completed delimitation exercise, alleging irregularities and a weakening of democratic representation in the Union Territory.
Shops and business establishments remained closed, while traffic movement was considerably reduced across Kargil. Security arrangements were tightened, with additional police personnel deployed in several areas as a precautionary measure.
The shutdown was called by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), a platform representing various political and religious organisations, trade bodies and civil society groups. The alliance also announced a candlelight march under the banner of 'Save Democracy' to highlight concerns over the election schedule, delimitation exercise and what it described as the erosion of democratic rights.
Meanwhile, Ladakh Lok Sabha MP Mohmad Haneefa had written to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday, seeking deferment of the LAHDC elections.
In his letter, Haneefa highlighted the difficult geographical and climatic conditions of Ladakh, particularly in Kargil and Leh, during winter. He said heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, closure of important roads and frequent disruptions in transportation and communication could prevent voters in remote areas from reaching polling stations.
The MP also pointed out that thousands of residents, including senior citizens, traders, businesspersons and students, traditionally move to warmer regions during winter. Many students also remain outside Ladakh for higher education and competitive examinations.
He cautioned that conducting elections during this period without addressing these challenges could deprive a significant section of eligible voters of their democratic right to participate in the electoral process.
Haneefa further highlighted logistical difficulties in remote areas such as Drass, Zanskar and Changthang, stating that election planning must consider the region's vast geographical spread, scattered settlements and limited winter connectivity.
He also expressed concern over the limited time available for revising electoral rolls and called for adequate opportunities for eligible citizens to register and verify their details.
The MP urged the Lieutenant Governor to postpone the elections until winter-related difficulties subside, ensure a comprehensive and transparent revision of electoral rolls and consult elected representatives, political parties and other stakeholders before announcing the election schedule.
KDA Co-Chairman Sajjad Kargili, accompanied by MP Haji Hanifa Jan and civil society representatives, said the shutdown would continue until 5 pm. Essential services, including medical facilities, water supply and school buses, were exempted.
The alliance accused the administration of taking unilateral decisions while ignoring public concerns regarding delimitation and the proposed timing of the elections.
Meanwhile, Leh Apex Body Chairman Chering Dorjay also demanded that the LAHDC elections be postponed until April-May and called for a review of the delimitation exercise to ensure fair representation of all constituencies.
The Ladakh administration has completed the delimitation of 100 constituencies across the Union Territory's eight districts and approved 33 per cent reservation for women.
The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on November 10, while the official schedule for the LAHDC elections is yet to be announced.
