Hunger Strikes Begin In Srinagar and Kargil For Statehood, Constitutional Rights

SRINAGAR: The local unit of Congress on Saturday began an 11-day hunger strike in capital Srinagar to demand the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

Separately, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB), prominent Ladakh-based advocacy groups, have initiated a three-day hunger strike in Kargil to demand statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission.

Led by JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra, numerous Congress leaders and workers gathered at the party headquarters along Srinagar's Moulana Azad Road, staging a symbolic protest before commencing the hunger strike. Banners proclaiming "Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq" (Our State, Our Right) were displayed at the venue.

Prominent leaders, including former minister Pirzada Muhammad Sayeed, Nizamuddin Bhat, and Chini Singh, joined Karra in the hunger strike.

Karra while speaking to reporters condemned the downgrading of J&K’s status, stating, “It is unfortunate that a historic state like Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its rights. Statehood is our right, and no one can take it away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Simultaneously, the KDA and LAB launched a three-day hunger strike at Hussani Park in Kargil town on Saturday to press for four key demands: statehood for Ladakh, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission (PSC).

The strike reflects growing frustration over the central government’s delay in resuming talks with the groups.KDA and LAB, which have been advocating for these demands for five years, expressed discontent with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ high-powered committee (HPC) for failing to address critical issues like statehood and the Sixth Schedule.

KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai told reporters, “Despite assurances in May from HPC chairman and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, no discussions have started. This deliberate delay has forced us to protest.” He added that the hunger strike is part of a broader agitation, including past strikes, protests, and a foot march from Ladakh to Delhi.

Banners at the protest site read, “Together, we can build a future where Ladakh governs Ladakh,” alongside demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and an end to “colonial treatment.”

KDA leader Sajjad Kargili emphasized the need for democratic restoration and constitutional protections, urging the government to fulfill its promises. The groups warned that the agitation would escalate if their demands remain unmet.

The Sixth Schedule provides constitutional safeguards for tribal areas, a framework KDA and LAB seek to protect Ladakh’s land, culture, and employment rights.

At present, Ladakh is the only Lok Sabha constituency of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the largest such constituency in the country in terms of area (173,266 sq. km.). The 6th Schedule of the Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram to safeguard the rights of the tribal population in these states under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1).