A complete shutdown is being observed in Kargil today with political, social and trade organisations are protesting against proposed winter elections. According to Kashmir Media Service, polling for Leh and Kargil Municipal Committees is scheduled for November 21, 2026, from 8 am to 5 pm. The election process is due to conclude on November 30. The panchayat elections across Ladakh are also scheduled for November 21, 2026. Three prominent organisations in Leh have also announced a boycott of local body polls.

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), political parties and various trade and social unions called the shutdown. Ladakh Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan has also backed the protest against the proposed December schedule for Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections. The protesters say harsh winter conditions could prevent many residents from voting. A sizeable section of Kargil’s population migrates to warmer areas during winter. KDA Co-Chairman Sajad Kargili urged authorities to consider the region’s geographical and climatic conditions.

He said the elections should be held after winter.  The protest programme also includes a candle march after Maghrib prayers today. The KDA and supporting organisations have appealed to residents to participate. Kargili also cited concerns over the delimitation exercise and stalled talks. He said these issues were among the reasons behind the shutdown. The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Nambardar Association and Ladakh Gonpa Association have announced a boycott of upcoming panchayat and urban local body elections. The decision was taken at a joint meeting in Leh.

LBA President Chering Dorjay Lakrook said around 70 Nambardars supported the proposal. He said the LBA and Gonpa Association also endorsed it. Lakrook said a substantial portion of the population had migrated. He argued that winter elections would restrict public participation. He recalled that elections were postponed during harsh winters when Ladakh was part of Jammu and Kashmir. He criticised the present administration for disregarding similar concerns. Lakrook also questioned the absence of a result declaration date. He said the omission in the election notification had raised concerns.

MP form Ladakh Haji Hanifa Jan wrote to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. He sought reconsideration and deferment of the proposed LAHDC elections. Jan cited harsh winter conditions and seasonal migration. He also called for comprehensive revision of electoral rolls. He highlighted geographical, climatic, logistical and administrative difficulties. The Ladakh administration announced panchayat and municipal committee elections last month. The protests and boycott calls have intensified opposition to the winter schedule.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)