Kargil, Nov 10: A shutdown was observed across the Kargil region on Tuesday as residents protested against the administration’s decision to hold the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in December.
Shops and business establishments remained closed following a shutdown call by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The alliance demanded postponement of the elections, citing harsh winter conditions, and sought a review of the recently completed delimitation exercise.
Traffic remained thin on roads across the region. Meanwhile, authorities deployed additional police personnel in several areas as a precautionary measure.
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KDA demands postponement of LAHDC elections
The KDA, an alliance of political and religious organisations, trade bodies and civil society groups, called the shutdown. It also announced an evening candlelight march under the banner of ‘Save Democracy’.
KDA co-chairman Sajjad Kargili, accompanied by Ladakh MP Haji Haneefa Jan and civil society representatives, said the shutdown would continue until the evening. He added that essential services, including medical facilities, water supply and school buses, remained exempt.
Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa also urged Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to defer the elections. He cited harsh winter conditions, snowfall, road closures and transport disruptions that could prevent residents of remote areas from reaching polling stations.
Meanwhile, Leh Apex Body chairman Chering Dorjay demanded that authorities postpone the elections until April-May. He also called for a review of the delimitation exercise, a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls and consultations with elected representatives, political parties and other stakeholders before finalising the election schedule.
Administration announces December 4 polling date
The administration has completed the delimitation of 100 constituencies across Ladakh’s eight districts and approved 33 per cent reservation for women.
On Tuesday, the administration notified elections for all eight LAHDCs.
Exercising powers under Section 4(2) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1997, read with Rule 4 of the LAHDC (Election) Rules, 2026, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh directed all constituencies across the Union Territory to elect members for the formation of new councils.
The election schedule sets November 17 as the last date for filing nominations. Authorities will scrutinise nominations on November 18, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until November 20.
Polling will take place on December 4, from 8 am to 5 pm. The entire election process will conclude by December 8, 2026.
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–IANS
