Ladakh witnessed a widespread shutdown as thousands participated in marches on Saturday.
Last week, a significant gathering of protesters took place in the Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh, signaling a unified call for the restoration of the region to statehood. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), influential groups at the forefront of this movement, orchestrated the protest under the banner of “Leh chalo [march to Leh].” This demonstration accompanied the suspension of numerous businesses and the cessation of public transport, effectively observing a widespread shutdown across multiple districts.
The primary focus of the protest lies in the demand for the reinstatement of Ladakh”s statehood, a status downgraded to that of a Union territory without a legislature in 2019, following its separation from Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the LAB and KDA are advocating for Ladakh”s recognition as a tribal area, urging its inclusion in the Constitution”s Sixth Schedule. Their comprehensive demands also encompass job reservations for locals and the allocation of parliamentary seats for both the Leh and Kargil districts.
The Sixth Schedule, currently governing tribal-dominated areas in Northeastern states like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, serves as a model for Ladakh”s aspirations. States such as Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram already benefit from having three tribal councils each under this framework.
Leaders and activists from Ladakh have consistently appealed to the government to address their concerns. Sonam Wangchuk, a Magsaysay Award winner and prominent speaker at the protest, highlighted the government”s commitment to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule following the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir”s special status under Article 370. Expressing concern over the subsequent silence from the Centre, Wangchuk emphasised the harassment faced by those advocating for the Sixth Schedule and warned against potential threats to Ladakh from certain mining lobbies.
Chering Dorjay, a former J&K minister and member of LAB, emphasized that their demands are rooted in constitutional rights, particularly the tribal status they assert as Ladakh”s inherent right. He urged the Centre to respect the sentiments of the people.
In December, a committee formed by the Union home ministry engaged in the first round of talks with LAB and KDA leaders, focusing on “constitutional safeguards” for Ladakh. However, the groups have maintained their steadfast commitment to the four key demands. The upcoming second round of talks, reportedly scheduled for February 19 in Delhi, presents a crucial opportunity for further dialogue and resolution.
