The Demand for Statehood, Sixth Schedule, and Constitutional Safeguards in Ladakh
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Sixth Schedule, Union Territories, Formation of States, Autonomous Hill Development Councils); Current Events of National Importance.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
General Studies Paper 3 (Internal Security): Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Security challenges and their management in border areas (Ladakh's strategic location).
Key Highlights from the News
The protest demanding Statehood and Sixth Schedule tribal status for the Union Territory of Ladakh turned violent.
Reports indicate casualties in police firing after a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk turned violent.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are the main organizations leading the protest.
These protests stem from the political and social concerns of the people of Ladakh, who were separated from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and made a Union Territory without a legislature.
They argue that strong constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule is necessary to protect their land, employment, and unique culture.
Reports suggest that while the government claims to be open to discussions, the youth's frustration over the peaceful protests yielding no results led to the violence.
COMMENTS