Ladakh unrest echoes in Kashmir Valley: CM Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti warn of deeper crisis; govt urged to act

SRINAGAR: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have asked the government to move beyond day-to-day crisis management in Ladakh and address the root causes of this discontent urgently and transparently. They also draw parallel with Kashmir with J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah stating that Ladakh wasn’t even promised statehood and they celebrated UT status in 2019, and now they feel betrayed and angry. “Now, try to imagine how betrayed and disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly,” Omar said.Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufi it’s time the Government of India undertakes a sincere and thorough appraisal of what has truly changed since 2019.Mehbooba posted a video of Wednesday’s violence in Leh on X, stating that, “This video isn’t from the Kashmir Valley considered the epicentre of unrest but from the heart of Ladakh, where angry protesters have set police vehicles and a BJP office on fire. Leh, a region long known for its peaceful and measured protests, is now witnessing a disturbing shift toward violent demonstrations. People seem to have lost patience , feel betrayed, insecure, and let down by unfulfilled promises,” she said, adding that it is imperative that the government move beyond day to day crisis management and address the root causes of this discontent urgently and transparently.The NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi said that “when people speak for their rights and express their legitimate aspirations democratically and if the people in power turn deaf ears to them in arrogance, the circumstances push those people to a corner where they are left with only one option, and that is a push back.”He said the situation in Ladakh is an illustration of how BJP has defeated the democracy and democratic values in this country and pushed people to a corner. “This should also serve as a reminder that silence or patient persuasion is not surrender. I hope peace prevails in Ladakh and people are heard,” the NC MP said.Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that he is deeply saddened by the loss of precious human life in Ladakh protests. “The aftershocks of the unilateral decision of dismemberment and downgrading of the state of J&K, and the unkept promises made to its people, are bearing these unfortunate consequences. Hope promises made to people of Ladakh are honoured and lives saved,” he added.