A wave of protests has swept across Leh, Ladakh, fueled by demands for full statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. These demonstrations, which started 15 days ago under the leadership of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, took a violent turn on Wednesday. Clashes between student protesters and law enforcement resulted in the burning of a CRPF vehicle and the BJP office. The protesters are expressing their dissatisfaction with the central government and are calling for immediate action on their demands.
Prior to August 5, 2019, Ladakh was part of Jammu and Kashmir. The region was then reorganized into a Union Territory. Now, the people of Ladakh are seeking inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, which provides for greater autonomy and self-governance. This article will delve into the details of the Sixth Schedule and explore why it’s viewed as vital for the people of Ladakh.
Initially, the residents of Ladakh were optimistic about the central government’s decision, expecting accelerated development as a Union Territory. However, their hopes began to wane as they felt increasingly dependent on the central government, relying on the Lieutenant Governor and a Member of Parliament to address their concerns. This led to a growing sense of unity and the commencement of protests to assert their rights and demand greater autonomy.
Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule would grant Ladakh a distinct form of self-governance. The Constitution’s Articles 244(2) and 275(1) provide specific provisions for such arrangements. Ladakh had these special rights when it was part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
This special arrangement is still in effect in northeastern states like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. The implementation of the Sixth Schedule facilitates the establishment of autonomous districts to streamline governance in specific areas. Each district typically consists of 30 members, with a portion appointed by the Governor and the remainder elected by the local population. The District Panchayat must approve significant decisions within these districts. The central government must grant these rights under the Constitution.
Following the reorganization into a Union Territory, Ladakh no longer has elected MLAs. Previously, four MLAs represented Ladakh in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. This lack of representation is a significant grievance for the public. The protestors feel they lack an effective means to communicate their concerns to the government, and they feel that the promises made by the government have been unfulfilled.
The new system has exacerbated issues with government jobs. Previously, Ladakh benefitted from recruitment through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission. Protesters allege that in the past five years, no gazetted positions have been filled from Ladakh. Although there have been some reports of non-gazetted appointments. Unemployment has increased in Ladakh. Many educated individuals are forced to take up small businesses, which often struggle because of the small population, which forces businesses to close.
If the government agrees to the protesters’ demands, significant changes will occur. The demands include full statehood to give the people of Ladakh the means to make their own demands and also separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil. The district council will be able to have wide-ranging powers over land, water, forests, agriculture, village councils, health, and police. This committee will also be able to create rules and regulations. The changes would significantly help the region allowing local people to have more control over the development and future of Ladakh.
To support their claim for statehood, Ladakhi leaders have asserted that if Sikkim and Mizoram can be granted statehood, Ladakh should also be considered. They highlight that Sikkim’s population in 1975 was about 200,000, and its area was 7,000 square kilometers. Ladakh now has over 300,000 residents and an area exceeding 60,000 square kilometers. Strategically, Ladakh is more important than Sikkim.