Jammu: The Congress party has expressed full support for the demand of the people of Ladakh for a high-level judicial probe into the mishandling of the recent situation in Leh, which resulted in the tragic killing of four persons.
Congress Working President Raman Bhalla criticized the Centre and the Ladakh UT administration for their handling of the situation, saying it caused widespread resentment and anger across the region. He supported the demand for a high-level probe as called for by both the Apex Committee and KDA, and said that the peaceful region of Ladakh, which holds strategic importance for the nation, had been pushed into turmoil due to administrative mismanagement.
Bhalla highlighted that the people of Ladakh were promised the 6th Schedule status by the BJP and the Centre five years ago, similar to the promise of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. He alleged that the Centre had betrayed both UTs after securing a complete mandate based on false promises, and called on the government to fulfill the genuine demands of both regions without further delay.
Addressing residents of Greater Kailash, Jammu, Bhalla also condemned the “unwarranted and irresponsible” remarks made by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT, who had blamed Nepalese citizens and residents of Doda for the Leh violence. He described the remarks as being “in bad taste,” emphasizing that even if individuals are involved in such incidents, it should not be attributed to any particular region or community.
Bhalla praised Nepalese citizens for their historic friendship with India, noting that Gorkhas are renowned for their honesty, loyalty, and bravery, and have long served in the Indian Armed Forces and private security. He underlined that millions of Nepalese live and work in India, just as millions of Indians work in Nepal, without any incidents of discrimination or enmity.
“Any criminal act is the responsibility of the individual or individuals involved and cannot be generalized to a community or region,” he said, adding that the LG should have exercised caution in his address considering its implications on friendly bilateral relations and the welfare of Indian citizens working abroad.
Bhalla also assessed the problems faced by residents in different localities due to delayed repairs and restoration after recent floods and rains. He criticized the lack of a comprehensive relief package from the Centre and cited the dual-control system in J&K as a major hurdle in timely rehabilitation efforts.
He urged the 28 BJP MLAs and MPs to press the government to fulfill its promise of statehood without delay, emphasizing that the dual-control system slows down relief, rehabilitation, and restoration works.
Residents of Greater Kailash raised concerns over the neglect of internal roads and drainage systems, and demanded immediate construction of the nallah passing through Jalochak (SC) Basti, warning that delays are causing mounting problems and resentment in the area. Several representations have already been submitted to concerned officials regarding these issues.
