New Delhi, May 1 — The Indian National Congress on Friday criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his visit to Ladakh, accusing him of remaining silent on key demands of the region, including statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the home minister was “basking in the glory of the Piprahwa relics” while not addressing concerns related to protection of land and employment.
“The HM is in Ladakh today basking in the glory of the Piprahwa relics, while remaining silent on the demands of the people there for statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and protection of land and employment,” Ramesh said in a post on X.
He also referred to historical precedents, recalling Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Ladakh in July 1949. Ramesh said sacred relics associated with Gautama Buddha—earlier taken by the British from the Sanchi Stupa and housed in London—were brought back to India and later taken to Ladakh in 1950 for public display.
“A year later in May 1950, the relics were taken around Ladakh for 79 days,” he said, adding that they were subsequently enshrined in different locations, including Sanchi.
The Congress reiterated its demand that the Centre clarify its position on granting statehood to Ladakh and extending constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Shah arrived in Ladakh on Thursday to attend events linked to the exposition of sacred Buddha relics.