The Apex Body has announced the postponement of its proposed Pad Yatra from Kargil to Leh following the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to hold sub-committee-level talks on Ladakh-related issues in New Delhi on September 9.
The march was planned as part of a series of programmes during September, being observed as “Martyrs’ Month” in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the September 24 incidents last year. However, with talks scheduled just ahead of the proposed march, the leadership decided to defer the programme.
Apex Body representatives said they expect the government to approach the September 9 meeting with sincerity and make meaningful progress on Ladakh’s longstanding political and democratic demands. They particularly highlighted discussions over a detailed proposal concerning an elected legislature and greater democratic representation for the Union Territory.
The leaders said other pending issues should also be addressed during the talks, including adequate compensation for the families of those who lost their lives, assistance for people injured during the protests and the unconditional withdrawal of what they described as unjust cases registered against protesters.
The Apex Body said its future course of action would depend on the outcome of the September 9 meeting. If the dialogue produces substantive progress, further protest programmes could be reconsidered. Otherwise, the postponed Pad Yatra and other mass programmes may be rescheduled closer to September 24.
The decision to postpone the march signals an attempt to give the dialogue process an opportunity while keeping open the option of renewed public mobilisation if the talks fail to deliver progress.
