Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 25: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called on the Central government to open a dialogue with the people of Ladakh, warning that continued neglect of their demands could further inflame tensions in the strategically sensitive region.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Dr. Abdullah said the recent violent protests in Leh were a direct result of frustration among locals after years of peaceful demonstrations failed to yield results. He dismissed any notion of external conspiracy, asserting that the unrest was entirely internal and driven by local grievances.
“The violent incidents in Leh stem from long-standing unaddressed issues. The people have been peacefully demanding inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and restoration of statehood for five years. But all they’ve received are vague assurances,” Abdullah said.
He pointed to Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s non-violent, Gandhian protest movement, saying the government’s failure to engage constructively had pushed the youth toward violent action.
“Sonam Wangchuk has always stood for peaceful protest. But the youth of Ladakh, after being ignored for too long, felt they had no other option,” he added.
Abdullah stressed that the strategic importance of Ladakh, given its proximity to the Chinese border, makes the situation more precarious.
“China is right at our doorstep. This is not the time to shift blame or make excuses. The Government of India must step in with meaningful dialogue,” he said, warning that broken promises — as seen earlier in Jammu and Kashmir — were fueling distrust.
He criticized the Centre for failing to deliver on its commitments, referencing similar delays in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Kashmir was told statehood would follow delimitation, then elections. Nothing happened. Now the same betrayal is being repeated in Ladakh,” Abdullah said.
On the broader regional context, he warned that ignoring reality — particularly Chinese incursions — is no longer an option.
“The world knows how much Indian land is under Chinese control. We can’t keep hiding behind false narratives. Ladakh is sensitive. China never accepted the McMahon Line — not since Nehru’s time,” he stated.
Responding to recent international remarks, he dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that India supports the war in Ukraine.
“India does not support war anywhere. But such statements show how closely the world is watching this region,” Abdullah noted.
While calling for calm, Abdullah avoided directly condemning the mob violence in Leh, which included the torching of the BJP office, the Leh Apex Body office, and several vehicles, including a CRPF vehicle. Four protesters were killed, and over 70 were injured in clashes with security forces on Wednesday.
Officials stated that security personnel opened fire in self-defence after protesters tried to set a CRPF vehicle ablaze with personnel still inside.
The Lieutenant Governor’s administration issued a stern warning, stating that while dialogue remains the government's preferred approach, acts of violence, arson, and mob aggression will not be tolerated.
Despite the violence, the NC has used the unrest as an opportunity to reinforce its long-standing demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a position Dr. Abdullah reiterated during the briefing.
“We reject bloodshed. The NC stands for dialogue, understanding, and justice. It’s time for Delhi to listen and act — not delay,” Abdullah concluded.