A shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) affected normal life across Ladakh on Tuesday. The protest was organised to press the Centre for a clear commitment to the constitutional safeguards promised to the region. People also gathered in Leh and took part in demonstrations demanding action on decisions discussed between Ladakh representatives and a subcommittee of the Union Home Ministry, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The shutdown had a visible impact in both Leh and Kargil districts. Markets remained closed and regular activities were disrupted as residents joined the protest. Despite the large participation, authorities said the situation remained peaceful. “Everything is under control,” said Leh superintendent of police Shri Ram.

The protest follows growing dissatisfaction among local groups over the outcome of recent discussions with the Centre. LAB and KDA leaders said the government had failed to honour commitments made during a meeting held on May 22. According to them, the discussions focused on creating a democratic structure for Ladakh with legislative, executive and financial powers. The meeting also covered constitutional safeguards similar to those available in Nagaland, Sikkim and Mizoram through a proposed Article 371K.

Local leaders claimed that the understanding reached during the discussions was not properly reflected in the official record. This became a major reason behind the decision to launch the protest. “When we saw that the decisions from the June 22 meeting were not properly reflected in the minutes of the minutes, we refused to sign the document and sought its rectification, which never came,” LAB co-chairman, Chering Dorjay Larkuk said.

He further explained that representatives of LAB and KDA met on June 19 to discuss the issue. During the meeting, both groups decided to oppose what they described as omissions by the government in the official documentation of the discussions. The shutdown was announced as part of that decision.

The Centre, however, maintained that talks with Ladakh stakeholders have been progressing positively. A senior government officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Union Home Ministry has remained engaged with local representatives throughout the process. “MHA has been actively engaged with the Ladakh people. The talks have progressed significantly. The outcomes of the 22nd May sub-committee meeting are very positive and welcomed by all stakeholders in Ladakh. We are committed to provide constitutional safeguards and would take concrete steps in consultation with the  people of Ladakh.”

The demand for constitutional protection has remained a key issue in Ladakh since 2019. After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status and was reorganised into two Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir received a legislative assembly, while Ladakh became a Union Territory without one.

Since then, several groups in Ladakh have been demanding greater political representation. They have also sought statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region’s culture, land and identity. The latest shutdown reflects continuing concerns among residents, who are seeking concrete action from the Centre on long-pending demands.