All Ladakh Students Coordination Committee Kargil today staged a protest march in Kargil demanding setting up of UPSC, JKSSRB, JKPSC, SSC and other university level entrance examination centers in both districts of Ladakh region.Various organizations including Islamia School Kargil, Imam Khomeini Trust, Bar Association, Ahle Sunnat Jamat Kargil, Buddhist Association Kargil, Merchant Association, Youth Action Committee and various other organizations also supported the protest.
The protest rally started from Hussaini Park and while marching through Kargil market concluded at Lal Chowk where student leaders addressed to the gathering.
Student leader Zakir Hussain Khaloo said due to harsh winter in Ladakh region, most of students cannot participate in competitive examination.
He said: “There is uncertainty whether Zojila Pass would be open for traffic or not, therefore the government must consider establishing some exam centers in Kargil and Leh districts of Ladakh region. This will save most of the students from the anxiety of whether they will make it to the examination centers of other regions.”
Joining the students’ protest, Bar Association Kargil Joint Secretary Advocate Shahnawaz Ali Sodpa said that they are with the student community on this issue.
He said, “If government would fail to redress the issue we will knock the door of court and will fight for justice there.”
Meanwhile, influential Islamia School Kargil also took part in the student protest.
Speaking to the gathering, Anjuman Jamiat Ulema Isna Ashariya representative Shiekh Asgar Zakiri said that Mufti Sayeed government always claims that they will provide equal opportunities to people in all the three regions of the State.
He said, “We hope Mufti sahib will consider this issue and will fulfill the demands of the students.”
During the protest, students also demanded that local leaders should come forward and take up the issue with the concern authorities.
The students warned if their grievances are not redressed then they will go on an “indefinite hunger strike”.
