Ladakh bodies ask protesters to raise only approved slogans, not to cover face

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SRINAGAR: Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) issued a set of guidelines for protesters on Sunday, on the eve of a protest urging the Centre to resume dialogue on the demand for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.The organisations have asked participants of the protest on Monday to stick only to approved slogans and not to mask their faces. LAB said it has not called for a market shutdown. However, shopkeepers who wish to voluntarily close their shops and join the march are free to do so.On Friday, the UT administration appealed to LAB to reconsider the proposed March 16 procession, saying it remained committed to dialogue. The govt said the tourist season is about to begin and such a protest could create a negative impression about the situation in the region.The last dialogue between Ladakhi representatives and Union home ministry’s high-powered committee was held on Feb 4.The UT administration is wary of such protests as last year on Sept 24, police opened fire on protesters, killing four and injuring over 80 in Leh.After the Centre ordered an inquiry into the Sept 24 police firing, MHA panel and Ladakhi representatives held the first round of talks in New Delhi on Oct 22 last year.