Haji Ghulam Mustafa, Legal Adviser of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, on Thursday condemned the recent violence during Ladakh protests and reiterated that their demonstrations over the past five years have been entirely peaceful. He also called for clarity on who ordered police firing during the clashes.
Speaking to ANI, Mustafa said, “It should not be seen in black and white. What happened yesterday is quite complicated. But at the same time, we condemn the violence. It is unfortunate how properties were damaged and people lost control. For the last five years, we have been demanding and protesting in a very peaceful manner.”
He emphasised their commitment to non-violence, saying, “We follow the Gandhian way. All our protests and talks with the Government have been very peaceful till now, and we want to continue with that. The Government has been very cooperative, and I do not understand who gave the orders to shoot people.”
Mustafa stressed that Ladakh is a peaceful region and should not be associated with violence. “We do not want to be known for violence and protest. Whoever shot people should be held accountable for killing in cold blood,” he said, demanding an impartial probe into the incident.
Authorities in Leh have imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, following protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The District Magistrate’s order bans assemblies of five or more people and any procession, rally, or march without prior written approval.
The people of Ladakh have long sought inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
