By [Aahil Riyaz ]
Listening to MP Ladakh’s recent remarks on the nomination of Advocate Riyaz Ahmed Khan to the LAHDC Kargil Council, I was struck not by the argument itself, but by its timing. The MP claimed that the administration should have nominated a girl instead, and his party even boycotted the ceremony on this ground.
Women’s representation absolutely deserves attention. But raising the concern only at this particular moment — and not when it was genuinely needed in the past — makes the objection appear more politically convenient than principled.
It is important to remember that this nomination marks the first time a member of the Sheena minority community has been included in the Council. For a district shaped by multiple cultures, giving voice to an underrepresented community is not only fair but overdue. Even the MP himself has previously acknowledged that the Council Act allows nominations either for women or for minority communities. Yet today, he questions this very clause.
Before pointing fingers, there are some straightforward questions the MP must address:
- Has his party ever given a mandate to a woman in Ladakh?
- How many women hold meaningful leadership roles within his own party?
- If women’s empowerment is a priority, why has his party not reflected that in its structure or ticket distribution?
These are not rhetorical questions. They go to the heart of whether this sudden concern is genuine advocacy or simply political posturing.
The timing becomes even more telling when seen against the backdrop of Chuliskamboo’s shifting political landscape, where support for the BJP has grown steadily. Many observers see the objection as a reaction to this changing ground reality, rather than a stand for women’s rights.
Advocate Riyaz Ahmed Khan is widely known for his community work, legal service, and active involvement in social issues. Criticising his nomination without acknowledging his contributions — or the importance of minority representation — risks sending the wrong message to the public.
If the MP truly wants to champion women’s empowerment, the most meaningful place to start is within his own party. Leadership is demonstrated by example, not by selective outrage.
The inclusion of a Sheena minority representative is a step toward a more inclusive Council. Instead of questioning the decision, our leaders should reflect on their own record and focus on building a political culture where both women and minorities have genuine, consistent, and long-term representation.
