Kargil, Nov 10: Normal life came to a complete standstill across Kargil district today following a call for a comprehensive shutdown given by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) along with various political, social, and religious organizations.
The strike was organized to protest the Union Territory administration’s plan to conduct elections for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) during the harsh winter months.
Shops, commercial establishments, and private offices remained closed in Kargil town as well as outlying areas, including Drass, Sankoo, and Zanskar. Public transport was largely off the roads, leaving streets in the district headquarters empty throughout the day.
The protest call received backing from local leadership, including Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan, who joined KDA representatives in expressing strong opposition to the winter polling timeline. Local leaders pointed out that severe weather, sub-zero temperatures, and heavy snowfall severely limit mobility and cause a significant portion of the population to temporarily migrate to warmer regions outside the Union Territory.
