New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) Congress leader Udit Raj has fiercely criticized the NDA government in light of the recent turmoil in Ladakh. He emphasized that the call for full statehood, articulated by Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is both timely and essential. Raj condemned the Centre's approach to the crisis and the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

In a pointed statement, Udit Raj remarked, “This is undeniably the need of the hour. When Ladakh was not a Union Territory, unemployment was not as dire. However, since its reclassification, joblessness has escalated significantly, contributing to the unrest. The apprehension of Sonam Wangchuk is detrimental to the nation. The Central government is failing to grasp the sensitivity of this region.”

He further stated, “Sonam Wangchuk is not involved in the violence. He has played a pivotal role in the region's development. Due to the government's errors, we risk losing this section of India. We have already conceded nearly 4,000 square kilometers to China… These leaders cannot effectively govern the country; they only excel at delivering speeches. If this situation persists, the nation could fracture.”

These comments followed a violent demonstration in Leh on September 24, which resulted in four fatalities and over 90 injuries. The protest stemmed from a long-standing movement advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

In the aftermath, Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on Friday.

Meanwhile, CM Omar Abdullah, during his visit to Ganderbal on Monday, appealed to the Centre not to provoke the patience of the people of J&K. He stated, “Granting statehood is a fundamental constitutional right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We must not allow this area to descend into the kind of unrest currently unfolding in Ladakh.”

Abdullah’s remarks resonate with the increasing demands for the restoration of full statehood in both Ladakh and J&K, regions that were reorganized into Union Territories following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Separately, on the occasion of Navratri, Udit Raj conveyed his greetings to the nation, saying, “I wish the entire country a joyous Navratri. May celebrations be filled with happiness. Vijayadashami is approaching. Best wishes to all. May our nation progress, strengthen its economy, and bring prosperity into everyone’s lives.”