Context:
Ladakh, a region with immense strategic significance, has witnessed escalating protests demanding Statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- These demands have intensified as the government’s repeated delays in addressing the concerns of the people have led to growing frustration.
- The peaceful protests, which initially saw participation from elderly residents, have now seen active involvement from the youth, especially Gen Z, with violent clashes erupting in recent days.
Background: Ladakh’s Struggle for Autonomy
- Ladakh was reorganized into a Union Territory in 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370.
- The result was the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one.
- While the Indian government presented the move as an administrative necessity, it left the people of Ladakh with a sense of political marginalization.
- The Sixth Schedule, which grants special protections to tribal areas in India, is seen by Ladakhis as essential for safeguarding their land, culture, and way of life.
The Protests: From Peaceful to Violent
- The Ladakh protests, initially peaceful hunger strikes by groups like Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status, turned violent on September 24, 2025, after a 35-day strike failed to yield results.
- Two protesters were hospitalized following clashes outside the BJP office in Leh, sparking anger, especially among the youth who had previously stayed passive.
- Sonam Wangchuk, a key activist, expressed shock at the violence, noting that the growing frustration among the youth, feeling ignored by the government, led them to embrace more radical forms of protest.
Why Ladakh is Protesting?
- Given that over 90% of Ladakh’s population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes, there has been a consistent demand to include the region under the Sixth Schedule.
- The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 of the Indian Constitution provides for the formation of autonomous administrative regions called Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), which govern tribal-majority areas in certain northeastern states.
Advantages of Sixth Schedule:
Why Union Government reluctant to give status:
- Constitutional and Legal Precedent: The Sixth Schedule is currently limited to tribal areas in the Northeast. Applying it to a Union Territory would require major constitutional amendments or reinterpretation.
- Strategic and Security Concerns: Ladakh borders China and Pakistan—it is a highly sensitive region. The central government prefers tight administrative control for security and defense purposes.
- Fear of Setting a Precedent: If Ladakh gets Sixth Schedule status, other tribal regions or UTs (e.g., in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman, etc.) might also demand it. This could open a Pandora’s box of similar demands across the country.
- Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council: The Centre argues that existing mechanisms like the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) in Leh and Kargil already give local governance powers. But locals claim LAHDCs are weak and lack constitutional backing.
Difference between Sixth schedule and Fifth schedule
Way Forward
- Formalize a tripartite dialogue process between Central government, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
- Empower LAHDCs through a constitutional amendment. Introduce direct elections to a representative body with legislative powers on local matters.
- Sustainable Development Plan: Prepare a Ladakh Vision 2050 document that consist of Ecological conservation, green energy (solar, hydro), Cultural tourism with limits Local job creation.
Conclusion
A one-size-fits-all solution will not work. The government must go beyond symbolic engagement and craft a region-specific, rights-based, and inclusive framework. Only then can Ladakh’s identity, ecology, democracy, and strategic role be safeguarded — together.