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Ladakh Protest & Climate Fast: Why is Sonam Wangchuk Protesting in Ladakh?

Ladakh Protest & Climate Fast: Why is Sonam Wangchuk Protesting in Ladakh?

Context

Recently, Sonam Wangchuk began a 21-day hunger strike in Leh, Ladakh, to advocate for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion on the Sixth Schedule.

Relevance for Prelims: Ladakh Statehood Demand And Inclusion In Sixth ScheduleThe Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Amendment Bill 2023, SCHEDULED & TRIBAL AREAS and Autonomous District Councils, Article 370 Of The Constitution Of India

Relevance for Mains: Ladakh’s Governance Issues and Environmental Challenges.

Chronology: Ladakh’s Complicated History

Ladakh Protest

  • Namgyal Dynasty: Ladakh was once ruled by its own dynasty.
  • Loss of Independence: In 1834, it fell under Dogra rule, lasting a century.
  • Part of India: Post-1947, Ladakh joined India within Jammu & Kashmir.

Ladakh Protest: Demands For Autonomy

  • Cultural Differences: Ladakh sought separation from Kashmir due to distinct cultural identity.
  • Unmet Requests: The central government did not grant autonomy.
  • Neglect and Discrimination:
    • 1951-55 Budget Allocation: Ladakh Received Zero
    • Per Capita Funding: 5-6 Times Less Than J&K
  • The Rise of the Union Territory Movement
    • Neglect: Ladakhis felt ignored and sought UT status.
    • District Division: Ladakh was split into Leh and Kargil in 1979
    • Religious Politics: Division seen as political strategy.
  • Partial Fulfillment of Demands
    • Scheduled Tribe Area: In 1989, Ladakh gained reservations.
    • Local Councils: In 1995. Autonomous councils were formed.
    • Limited Powers: These councils had restricted authority.
  • The Creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory
    • Continued Demands: Ladakhis persisted for UT status.
    • Article 370 Revoked: In 2019, Ladakh became a separate UT.
  • Reactions to UT Status
    • Celebrations in Leh: Buddhists in Leh celebrated the change.
    • Protests in Kargil: Muslims in Kargil protested the decision.

Concerns and Demands After UT Status

  • Loss of Protections: Article 370 and 35A‘s removal worried Ladakhis.
  • Outsider Influence: Fears of unchecked development and cultural dilution arose.
  • Limited Governance: Lack of local governance control became a concern.

Ladakh Protest: Why is Sonam Wangchuk Protesting in Ladakh?

  • The Unified Protest

    • Unity Formed: Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance united.
    • Key Demands: Demands included Sixth Schedule inclusion and statehood.
  • The Protests and Hunger Strikes

    • Protests in Winter: Protests persisted despite harsh winters.
    • Hunger Strikes: Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strikes drew attention.
  • The Government’s Stance

    • Security Concerns: Focus on military infrastructure.
    • Economic Priorities: Facilitating corporate investments.
    • Setting a Precedent: Reluctance due to potential similar demands.
  • The Core Issue of Trust and Development

    • Trust Deficit: Ladakhis fear loss of control over their destiny.
    • Development Concerns: They seek development that respects their heritage.

Conclusion

The hunger strike in Ladakh emphasises the importance of addressing the region’s governance and environmental difficulties and sustainable development solutions are critical for ensuring long term peace and prosperity in the region.

Also Read: Constitutional Governance Of Scheduled Areas

 

Prelims PYQ (2023):

With reference to ‘Scheduled Areas’ in India, consider the following statements: 

1. Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place through an Order of the President. 

2. The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District and the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block. 

3. The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas in the States. 

How many of the above statements are correct? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None 

Ans: (b)

 

Mains Question: Examine the potential benefits and challenges of extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh, especially in terms of safeguarding its cultural and social identity versus the implications for regional autonomy and development. (15 M, 250 Words)

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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