1. Leh, Ladakh: Massive protest rallies showcase unity and determination.
2. Locals observe a complete shutdown, emphasizing four key demands.
3. Demands encompass statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, job reservations, and parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
Ladakh, Feb 04: In a powerful display of unity and determination, the Leh district of Ladakh witnessed massive protest rallies on Saturday as locals observed a complete shutdown, advocating for their four crucial demands.
The primary objectives include the grant of statehood for Ladakh, the inclusion of Ladakh in the sixth schedule of the Constitution to confer tribal status, job reservation for locals, and the allocation of a parliamentary seat each for Leh and Kargil.
Shutdown Led by Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) orchestrated the comprehensive shutdown, echoing the sentiments of the local populace.
Videos circulating on social media captured the sea of people passionately shouting slogans and marching with placards that succinctly outlined their demands.
This collective protest comes in response to a memorandum submitted to the Union Home Ministry on January 23, wherein the demand for Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule status was fervently emphasized.
Push for Statehood: Amendments and Committee Meetings
Sources reveal that during the January 23 submission, representatives from LAB and KDA presented a draft bill proposing amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, aiming to secure statehood for Ladakh.
This move aligns with ongoing high-level committee meetings chaired by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, engaging with representatives from Leh and Kargil.
During the last meeting on December 4, the Union Home Ministry sought a comprehensive written list of demands from the two bodies, marking a pivotal step in addressing the longstanding concerns of the Ladakhi people.
Legal Perspectives and Tribal Status Advocacy
The memorandum referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment asserting the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, it expressed discontent that these provisions did not extend to Ladakh, leaving it as a Union territory.
Drawing parallels with other states like Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, and northeastern states, the memorandum highlighted their protected status under the Sixth Schedule and Article 371 of the Constitution of India.
Advocating for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, the memorandum emphasized the significant population belonging to various tribal communities in the region. It listed communities like Balti, Beda, Bot, Boto, Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard, Shin, Changpa, Garra, Mon, and Purigpa, collectively forming a substantial portion of Ladakh’s demography.
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Additional Demands for Governance and Representation
Beyond statehood and Sixth Schedule status, the memorandum articulated the need for a Ladakh Public Service Commission. It underscored the limited opportunities for Ladakhi students to secure gazetted posts due to the absence of such a provision.
Furthermore, the memorandum included a draft bill proposing amendments to The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019.
This bill advocates for the provision of two Members of Parliament from the region, ensuring representation from both Leh and Kargil. The hope is that Ladakh will also secure a seat in the Rajya Sabha, aligning with the representation granted to states like Sikkim.
Background: Ladakh’s Transition to Union Territory
Ladakh underwent a significant transformation into a Union territory without a legislature on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 and 35A were abrogated, leading to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.
The protests and demands emerging from Ladakh reflect the region’s pursuit of identity, representation, and governance autonomy within the Indian constitutional framework.
