Context: 

This article is based on the news “Why Ladakh has turned to mass protests in freezing temperatures | Explained” which was published in the Hindu. Thousands of people in Leh have returned to the streets to their demand for full statehood for Ladakh Union Territory. 

Massive Protests in Ladakh: Ladakhis Are Demanding Statehood & Sixth Schedule Status

• The most important reason behind the protest is the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region’s land, culture, language, and environment.
• The shutdown has been called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), two important political groups in Ladakh.

Ladakh Statehood Demand and Inclusion In Sixth Schedule

• Ladakh Statehood Demand & Full-Fledged Legislature

  • People in Ladakh, particularly from the Leh district, are demanding full-fledged statehood with a legislature.

  • Why Ladakhis Are Demanding Statehood & Sixth Schedule Inclusion: Reasons

• • • • Greater autonomy and decision-making power on local issues.
      • Increased political representation 
      • Protection of Ladakhi culture and identity
      • Concerns about potential demographic changes and loss of job opportunities for Ladakhis.

• Constitutional Safeguards Under the Sixth Schedule

  • Tribal Identity: Ladakh’s population predominantly comprises Buddhist tribes with distinct cultural and linguistic identities.
  • Land and Resources: Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and resources are vulnerable to exploitation. The Sixth schedule’s provisions on land rights and control over natural resources offer potential safeguards against external interference.
  • Political Representation: Ladakh’s current status as a UT with limited legislative powers raises concerns about inadequate representation and lack of control over local decision-making.
    • The Sixth Schedule’s guarantee of elected councils could address this.

• Separate Lok Sabha Seats for Leh and Kargil

  • Activists and leaders of the socio-political bodies are demanding an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats from one to two.
    • One each for Kargil and Leh to ensure representation of Ladakhis in Parliament and a full-fledged elected legislature.
    • Currently, Ladakh has only one Lok Sabha seat, encompassing both Leh and Kargil districts. This was established after Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in 2019.

• Job Reservations for Locals

  • Historical Disadvantage: Ladakhi argues that they have historically faced discrimination and lack of access to education and employment, making reservation a necessary step towards equality.
  • Protection of Ladakhi Identity and Culture: Ensuring residents have access to jobs is seen as crucial for preserving Ladakhi culture and way of life. The influx of outsiders is seen as a threat to local identity.
  • Economic Development: Reservation aims to create more employment opportunities for Ladakhis, boosting the local economy and reducing dependence on outside resources.

Central Government Response to Ladakh Statehood Demand

• Not Keen in Granting Statehood: The Central Government has not shown keen interest in granting full Statehood and special status to Ladakh, but rising discontent forced the center to set up a committee in January 2023 to look into the measures to find a balance.
• High Power Committee to Probe the Matter: Amid the rising protest, the central govt set up penal and assured protestors to look for an appropriate solution. 
  • The High Power Committee held its first meeting in December 2023 after it was empowered to examine the demand for constitutional safeguards for the region.
  • The ministry urged the leaders not to hold protests while the official talks were on.
• Resistance to Special Status to Ladakh: The Ministry of Home Affairs claimed that the UT administration was already taking care of overall socio-economic development, and sufficient funds have been provided for the region’s overall development.