Why It’s in the News
- Protests in Leh, Ladakh, have turned violent during demonstrations demanding:
- Full statehood for Ladakh.
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Protests coincided with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 35-day fast pressing for these demands.
- Violence has spilled over into a fourth day, with property damage, including a police vehicle set on fire.
- The issue has drawn national attention due to its political, constitutional, and developmental implications.
Relevance
- GS II (Polity & Governance): Sixth Schedule, Union Territory administration, autonomy, land and job rights.
- GS I (Geography & Society): Regional identity, demographic composition, cultural diversity.
Background of the Issue
- Ladakh’s administrative status:
- Became a Union Territory in 2019 after bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Comprises two districts: Leh (majority Buddhist) and Kargil (majority Muslim).
- Sixth Schedule of the Constitution:
- Provides autonomous district councils with legislative, judicial, and administrative powers.
- Currently applicable only to Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
- Current demands:
- Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard land, jobs, and local culture.
- Full statehood to increase administrative and fiscal autonomy.
Key People & Stakeholders
- Sonam Wangchuk: Climate activist, fasting to press for Ladakh’s demands; excluded from official delegation.
- Leh Apex Body: Local coordinating body supporting Wangchuk.
- Thupstan Chhewang: Former MP (last elected 2004), appointed delegation chair as compromise.
- Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA): Supporting protests, highlighting Union Territory model failures.
- Union Home Ministry: Engaged in talks since May 2025; examining constitutional safeguards.
Recent Developments
- Delegation talks: Scheduled for October, postponed to align with Wangchuk’s fast.
- Land allotment dispute: 1,000 kanals of land for Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives stayed by administration, citing irregularities; viewed by Wangchuk as retribution for opposing corporate land allotments.
- Protest escalation:
- Youth unemployment and lack of regional protections cited as triggers.
- Calls for peaceful resolution, though violence occurred.
- Solidarity bandh planned in Kargil.
Underlying Causes
- Administrative grievances:
- Perceived failure of Union Territory governance to address local issues.
- Economic concerns:
- High youth unemployment, lack of job reservation and local protections.
- Cultural & land rights:
- Fear of land alienation and erosion of traditional rights.
- Political representation:
- Exclusion of key activist (Wangchuk) reflects tensions in negotiation processes.
Constitutional & Policy Dimensions
- Sixth Schedule inclusion:
- Would provide autonomous legislative and administrative powers over land, culture, and local resources.
- Ensures domicile-based job reservations and protection of local languages.
- Statehood demand:
- Would give Ladakh full representation in Parliament and greater fiscal autonomy.
- Centre’s position:
- Examining demands cautiously due to constitutional complexities.
- Balancing local aspirations with national governance frameworks.
Significance
- Political: Test case for UT governance vs statehood aspirations.
- Social: Highlights regional identity concerns, ethnic and religious diversity (Leh vs Kargil).
- Economic: Youth unemployment and land issues underline developmental neglect.
- Constitutional: Raises questions about expansion of Sixth Schedule protections beyond North-East states.
Key Takeaways
- Violence in Leh underscores tensions between local demands and administrative processes.
- Sixth Schedule inclusion is central to land, jobs, and cultural protections for Ladakhis.
- Statehood would provide greater political and fiscal autonomy, strengthening regional governance.
- Ongoing dialogue between Centre and local bodies is critical to prevent escalation.
- The protests reflect broader debates on autonomy, identity, and development in newly formed Union Territories.
