Recent events in Ladakh have seen escalating protests over demands for greater autonomy and statehood. On 24 September 2025, demonstrators set fire to a BJP office in Leh. Police responded with teargas, resulting in clashes that left four dead and 30 injured. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) called a massive shutdown in response. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 15-day hunger strike after the violence, urging peaceful protest to sustain the long-standing movement.
Background of Ladakh’s Political Status
The protests stem from changes made in 2019. Article 370 was abrogated, and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was passed. This led to the division of the former state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one. Ladakh is directly governed by the central government, which many locals find unsatisfactory.
Demand for the Sixth Schedule
Ladakh’s population is over 90% Scheduled Tribes. They seek inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Sixth Schedule provides for Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with powers over land, forests, water, agriculture, health, policing, and local governance. Currently, ADCs exist only in certain North Eastern states. Inclusion would give Ladakh more self-rule and protection of tribal rights.
Role of Sonam Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer and innovator from Ladakh. He inspired the character in the film 3 Idiots. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his work on education reform and community development in Ladakh. Wangchuk has been a vocal advocate for Sixth Schedule status. He wrote to the Union Tribal Affairs Minister in 2019 seeking Scheduled Area status. Despite some government acknowledgement, no progress followed.
Protest Movement and Leadership
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) lead the movement. Wangchuk and others have staged hunger strikes and planned marches to show issues like land loss and ecological threats. The protests also address job shortages after Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir’s recruitment systems. The LAB’s four-point agenda calls for statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, early recruitment, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.
Significance of the Sixth Schedule
The Sixth Schedule grants tribal areas autonomy to protect culture and resources. ADCs have legislative and executive powers, enabling local self-governance. This is seen as a way to curb industrial exploitation and preserve Ladakh’s fragile environment. Supporters argue this autonomy is crucial for sustainable development and political representation.
Recent Developments and Impact
The violent clashes in September 2025 marked a turning point. The shutdown affected daily life and drew national attention. Wangchuk’s appeal for peaceful protest aims to maintain momentum without further violence. The movement reflects broader concerns about centralisation, tribal rights, and regional identity in India’s Union Territories.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the significance of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India in protecting tribal autonomy and culture.
- Analyse the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on the political and administrative status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Examine the role of regional movements in shaping India’s federal structure and decentralisation policies.
- Estimate the challenges faced by Union Territories without legislatures in ensuring local governance and political representation.
