Ladakh observes complete shutdown against proposed winter LAHDC elections

LEH — A complete shutdown is being observed across Ladakh on Tuesday in protest against the proposed schedule for holding elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) during the winter months, with shops and business establishments remaining closed, schools shut and public transport off the roads.

The shutdown has affected normal life across the Union Territory, including Kargil and Leh, as political parties, social organisations, traders and other groups have joined the protest against the proposed winter election schedule.

In Kargil, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), various political parties, trade and social organisations, along with Ladakh Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan, had called for a complete shutdown on November 10 to register opposition to holding the LAHDC elections during the winter season.

The opposition stems from concerns that severe weather conditions, snowfall and difficulties in transportation could prevent voters, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas, from participating in the electoral process.

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Political and community representatives have maintained that conducting elections during extreme winter conditions could adversely affect voter participation and undermine the electoral process. They have urged the authorities to reconsider the schedule and hold the elections under more favourable climatic conditions.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), Kargil Democratic Alliance and other political and social organisations have also opposed the proposed winter polls, calling for the election schedule to be reviewed.

The shutdown has brought routine activities to a halt in several areas, as markets remain closed and transport services stay suspended in response to the protest call.