Ladakh Students Educational and Environmental Action Forum (LEAF) organised a peaceful protest against various issues regarding education and environment on June 30 at main market, Leh.

Over 1,500 students from different schools and college joined the procession and put forward their demands to the District Magistrate, Leh.

Phuntsog Stobgyal, President, LEAF said, “Schools and college affiliated with Kashmir fail to conduct examination on time and when the exams are conducted results are delayed.  Due to the unrest in Kashmir valley, the students of Ladakh suffers”.

 “In J&K we have almost 8 universities distributed among Jammu and Kashmir without even a single university for Ladakh. One satellite campus was given which is not even affiliated to the central university”, he added.

Talking about the absence of waste management, he said, “Garbage’s thrown in Bombgarh is not maintained properly and lacks waste management. The waste should be dumped away from the residential area”.

Phuntsog Stobgyal requested the administration to make the students of the region studying outside also to cast their vote by providing a polling booth in Jammu or other place or to conduct the Hill Council election in summers. 

Hefty airfare issues and to provide centers for the competitive exams in Leh were also taken up.

Stanzin Thardot, President, Eco Saver said, “People of Ladakh have not yet understood the concept of development. Having tiles on the floor of the market and owning 2 to 3 car per family is not real development. The status of government schools are in the worst condition and the maximum enrollment of the students are the natives of Nepal and Bihar.  Development will only take place when there will be a proper education system with good infrastructure and highly qualified teachers”.

He further said that students after their high school take admission in Degree College with high hopes but unfortunately exams are not held on time. He demands University and scholarship for the students. 

Jigmet Palmo, Student, EJM College was saddened with the situation at college for the delay in exams. 

She further urged the girls to be strong and to come forward and participate in all the activities.

Tsewang Chosdon, Ex. President and Rigzen Dorjey, President SOUL also spoke on the occasion.

The protesters alleged that the administration and Hill Council has paid least attention to the future of students in Ladakh. And when certain issues are raised by the students on the Facebook page called ‘Ladakh in Media’, the admin blocks the issues and tries to stop the voice of the youth.

Later, President, LEAF submitted the copy of a memorandum to Avny Lavasa, District Magistrate.