To raise the issues and demand of the minority community (Sunni) in Leh district, Advocate Mohd. Nasir, Nominated Councillor for the minority hold a press conference on July 25 at Press Club office, Leh.

Mohd. Nasir highlighted two major demands of the Sunni community, an elected seat in the Hill Council and the ST reservation seat under argon category.

Demanding a constituency seat in LAHDC, Leh he alleged that an absence of elected representative in the Hill Council has left the sunni community with no chances for the Executive Councillor seats.  Being a minority, the demands and aspiration of the people are getting sidelined.

When asked about the constituency seat and the chance of winning it, he said, “We are demanding our seat from the upper and lower Leh since the population of Sunni community is more. Election of today is polarized. People are elected, vote and win based on the community. I feel we will win the seat if given a chance.”

Highlighting the demand of ST reservation under Argon category, he said, “We are residing in the region from 600 years and so far the community has equally contributed in the entire socio-economic factor.  After the declaration of ST status in 1989, we were not included in the argon category despite being a permanent resident of Ladakh. The people of the community are availing the benefit of ST status but under Balti or Bot category because of which the identity of our community is fading out”.

“Representation for the same has always been given with several requests through memorandum but the government never considered it. Different communities of the region have always supported their demand”, he added.

He further added that the exclusion and unimportance attitude towards the community is to be blamed to the state government only.

Claiming the Hill Council empowerment during Governor’s rule he stressed on keeping their demand on consideration failing to which he will protest and sit on hunger strike.