Kargil/Jammu:Kargil region in Ladakh on Tuesday observed a complete shutdown, demanding that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections proposed during winter be deferred and the recently concluded delimitation exercise reviewed.

Shops and business establishments remained closed, while traffic remained thin on roads across Kargil. Security was strengthened with additional deployment of police personnel in various areas as a precautionary measure.

Representatives of various political and religious organisations, trade bodies and civil society groups under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Monday announced the shutdown and a candlelight “Save Democracy” march against the proposed timing of the hill council elections, alleged delimitation irregularities and the “erosion of democratic rights” in the Union territory.

Ladakh Lok Sabha member Mohmad Haneefa on Saturday wrote a letter to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on the matter.

Haneefa said Ladakh’s unique geographical and weather conditions, particularly in Kargil and Leh districts, posed serious challenges to voters during winter.

He pointed out that heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, closure of key roads and frequent disruptions in transport and communication could make it difficult for residents of remote and far-flung areas to reach polling stations.

The MP said thousands of residents, including senior citizens, traders, businesspersons and students, traditionally migrate to warmer regions during winter, while many students remain outside Ladakh for higher education and competitive examinations.

Holding elections during this period, without addressing these circumstances, could deprive a significant section of eligible voters of an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights, he said.

Haneefa also highlighted logistical challenges in remote areas such as Drass, Zanskar and Changthang, stressing that electoral planning must account for Ladakh’s vast distances, scattered settlements and limited winter connectivity.

Expressing concern over the limited time available for revision of electoral rolls, he said sufficient opportunity must be provided to eligible citizens to register and verify their particulars.

The MP urged the LG to defer the elections until winter-related difficulties subside, ensure a comprehensive and transparent revision of electoral rolls and consult elected representatives, political parties and other stakeholders before finalising the election schedule.

The KDA also announced a candlelight march under the banner of ‘Save Democracy’ in the evening, alleging erosion of democratic rights and irregularities in the delimitation of constituencies.