Ladakh Calls for June 23 Shutdown Over Centre's 'Backtracking'
Ladakh Calls for June 23 Shutdown Over Centre's 'Backtracking'
Ladakh's civil society groups, LAB and KDA, are calling for a complete shutdown on June 23, accusing the Centre of reneging on a May 22 agreement. Shops will close, but transport continues for tourists. #LadakhProtest
Ladakh-based civil society groups, the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), have announced a complete shutdown across the region on June 23. This protest comes in response to what they describe as the Centre's "backtracking on May 22 decisions" and a concerning delay in releasing the agreed-upon minutes from a crucial meeting.
The decision was revealed during a joint press conference held on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Tsering Dorjey Lakrook, chairman of LAB, stated that all shops and business centers will remain closed on the designated day. However, transport services will be permitted to operate, acknowledging the ongoing tourist season.
Mr. Lakrook elaborated on the reasons behind the shutdown, specifically accusing the Centre of failing to uphold assurances made during a meeting with a six-member civil society committee and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi on May 22. He highlighted a significant discrepancy between the decisions reportedly agreed upon during the meeting and what was later reflected in the minutes, which he claims were not released promptly or accurately.
"On May 22, the MHA sub-committee agreed to certain decisions. However, the minutes of the meeting did not reflect it later. It is a cause of concern. The Centre should release the minutes of the meeting and reflect the decisions taken. The Centre should stand by the May 22 decisions," Mr. Lakrook asserted, expressing suspicion about the Centre's intentions. "It should not be that we take one step forward and two steps backward."
Adding to their concerns, Mr. Lakrook suggested that the Centre might be using the upcoming two-month visit of the Dalai Lama to Ladakh as an "excuse to delay the implementation of the decisions." He warned against underestimating their resolve, stating, "If the Centre thinks that the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ladakh will silence us, it’s mistaken. Under the garb of the two-month tour, we fear decision after decision will be taken to sell Ladakh. We are aware of what is happening behind the doors."
KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai further explained that the May 22 meeting had seen an agreement to address the demand for Statehood by proposing the creation of a legislature under an elected Chief Minister. The civil society groups are pushing for full statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, vowing renewed agitation if their demands are not met.
#LadakhShutdown #LadakhProtest #JusticeForLadakh #May22Agreement
