Ladakh Protests Demand Sixth Schedule and Statehood
The Union Territory of Ladakh witnessed intense protests in September 2025. Demonstrators set fire to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh. Police used teargas to disperse crowds. Clashes resulted in four deaths and around 30 injuries. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) called for a shutdown in response. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 15-day hunger strike and urged peaceful protests. The unrest marks long-standing demands for greater autonomy and constitutional safeguards.
Background of Ladakh’s Political Status
In 2019, the Government of India revoked Article 370. This removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act split the state into two Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir retained a legislature. Ladakh became a UT without one. The direct central rule in Ladakh led to political discontent. Many locals feel sidelined and demand more control over their affairs.
Demand for Sixth Schedule Protection
Over 90% of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes. They seek inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Sixth Schedule provides Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) for tribal areas. ADCs have legislative and administrative powers over land, forests, water, agriculture, health, and policing. Currently, six northeastern states have ADCs. Ladakh’s demand aims to secure similar autonomy and protect tribal rights.
Role of Sonam Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and innovator from Ladakh. He inspired a character in the film *3 Idiots*. Wangchuk won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for educational reforms in Ladakh. He has actively campaigned for Sixth Schedule status. In 2019, he petitioned the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry. Though the ministry acknowledged the proposal, no concrete steps followed. Wangchuk supports decentralisation to prevent exploitation by industrial interests.
History of Protests and Movements
Protests have occurred since 2019. Student-led movements gained momentum with support from local leaders. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) formed to represent regional interests. In early 2024, Wangchuk and others undertook a hunger strike demanding talks and protections. A planned march to the China border was cancelled due to restrictions. The protests show concerns over land rights, industrial projects, and border security.
Current Demands and Political Agenda
The LAB’s agenda includes statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule inclusion. They seek early recruitment for government jobs and a public service commission. Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil are also demanded. The movement reflects frustration over lost autonomy and economic opportunities since 2019. It puts stress on the need for political recognition and self-governance in Ladakh.
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