Rigzin Spalbar, former chairman of LAHDC, appeals for boycotting of elections to the body

Former Chairman/CEC LAHDC, Leh, Rigzin Spalbar has appealed to the Apex Body of the 6th Schedule Movement to consider giving a call to not to participate or vote in the forthcoming elections to LAHDC Leh to strengthen the demand for grant of the 6th Schedule of the Constitution to Ladakh.

“Since COVID-19 pandemic & casualties were on an upsurge, compelling the Chairman & Dy. Chairman of LAHDC, Leh to approach LG Ladakh in writing to take urgent measures to control the rising numbers of positive cases by suggesting a bi-weekly lockdown, it was expected that elections to constitute the 6th LAHDC Leh would be postponed. In spite of that, the elections were announced,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“Besides the worrisome status of the pandemic, at present Ladakh is in a state of uncertainty over the preservation of its unique tribal identity, habitats & ecosystem vis-a-vis its future existence & survival due to lack of constitutional safeguard in the form of the 6th Schedule,” he added.

“I am of the firm opinion that holding elections to LAHDC Leh, without extending the relevant provisions of the 6th Schedule of our Constitution,

(which empowers the Councils by vesting it with legislative powers) is meaningless. The democratically elected Council, representing the popular will of the people of Ladakh, cannot continue to be a toothless & irrelevant ostentatious body like it was made to be so in the wake of the formation of UT Ladakh. Participation in the elections and voting in it, while the demand for the grant of the 6th Schedule has got an unprecedented overwhelming support, may not serve our cause. It is only in the best interest of the demand for the 6th Schedule that we do not participate at all in the elections unless our demand is met,” he said.

“It is to be noted that all socio-cultural, religious, trading, students & political organisations of Leh Ladakh have already extended their full support to the Apex Body led by the veteran leaders,” he added.