The demands of the people are genuine and must be addressed with urgency, says Jamaat Vice-President Prof Salim Engineer
NEW DELHI — Prominent Muslim organization in the country, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), on Friday voiced deep concern over the recent violence and loss of lives in Ladakh, as protests over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards have escalated. The organisation urged the government to show empathy with the people and address their genuine aspirations as promised at the time of unilateral revocation of Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, JIH Vice-President Prof Salim Engineer urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the people of Ladakh and address their longstanding demands, including statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and protection for tribal communities, culture, and ecology.
“Violence and confrontation must be strictly avoided. The people’s demands are genuine and must be addressed with urgency,” said Prof Engineer.
He also highlighted growing concerns about alleged land encroachments by China and corporate takeovers affecting local shepherds and indigenous communities. “These issues must be addressed with sincerity, as they impact both national security and local livelihoods,” he added.
Prof Engineer criticised the labelling of activists and concerned citizens as “anti-national”, warning that such rhetoric only polarises society and undermines democracy.
“It is very disturbing to see that concerned citizens and activists are unfairly being branded as ‘anti-national’ or ‘seditious’ by sections of the media and political class. Such labelling diverts attention from the genuine grievances of the people, dangerously polarises the atmosphere, and further aggravates their concerns”.
Calling for empathy and inclusivity, the Jamaat urged the government to ensure that any development in Ladakh remains ecologically sensitive and respectful of the region’s unique cultural and environmental identity.
