Ladakh, a region rich in cultural heritage and ecological significance, is at a crossroads. As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk leads a foot march to New Delhi, he calls on the Indian government to grant Ladakh greater autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The march, backed by local leaders and various communities, aims to protect Ladakh’s fragile environment, unique cultural identity, and ensure real political representation. With growing frustration over unfulfilled promises following the abrogation of Article 370, Ladakhis are demanding meaningful safeguards to preserve their land and future.
Background
On September 9, 2024, Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist and innovator, made a compelling appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This provision would grant law-making powers to local leaders, aiming to protect Ladakh’s unique land and cultural identity amid increasing external pressures and environmental challenges. Wangchuk’s request reflects a broader movement in Ladakh advocating for greater autonomy and the preservation of its distinct heritage.
Historical and Political Context
The abrogation of Article 370: In August 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh. This move led to the bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislature, and Ladakh, without one. The initial excitement in Leh over the announcement quickly dissipated as it became clear that Ladakh was not included in the Sixth Schedule, leading to widespread disappointment and the formation of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to advocate for greater protections.
Recommendations and government committees: In September 2019, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes recommended including Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule to protect the region’s tribal culture and land rights. This recommendation was based on the high percentage of Scheduled Tribes in Ladakh and the need for safeguarding against outside land purchases.
In response to ongoing protests, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established a high-powered committee in January 2023, led by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, to address key issues in Ladakh. However, progress has been slow, and by April 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah indicated that the prospects for Ladakh achieving Sixth Schedule status or statehood were unlikely. This led to increased frustration among Ladakhi leaders and residents.
The foot march initiative
Launch of the march: The padyatra, or foot march, commenced on September 1, 2024, from Leh, with Wangchuk and around 75 volunteers embarking on a journey to New Delhi. This march is not only a physical trek but a symbolic act of resistance and advocacy. The participants aim to urge the central government to resume discussions with Ladakh’s leadership and address their longstanding demands. Wangchuk and his team are covering approximately 25 kilometres each day, enduring the challenging terrain and weather conditions of the high-altitude regions. The march is set to continue until October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, when they hope to reach the national capital and present their demands directly to the government.
Past engagements and government response: Wangchuk highlighted that despite submitting a detailed memorandum of demands to the Prime Minister during his visit to Dras for Kargil Vijay Diwas in July, he had yet to receive a response. This memorandum included calls for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which Wangchuk argues is crucial for Ladakh’s ecological and cultural preservation. (Detailed reports can be read here, here, and here.)
It is essential to note that recently, the government announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. Wangchuk and his supporters have expressed concerns about whether these districts will be granted real decision-making powers or merely function as administrative units. The creation of these districts could be viewed as a response to ongoing protests, but the real test will be if they align with the demands for autonomy under the Sixth Schedule.
The march’s objectives and demands
Four-point agenda: The ongoing padyatra is organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been advocating for-
- Statehood for Ladakh: The demand for Ladakh to be granted statehood to allow greater self-governance.
- Constitutional Protections under the Sixth Schedule: Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule to protect tribal and cultural rights.
- Public Service Commission: The establishment of a Public Service Commission to oversee recruitment and administration in Ladakh.
- Separate Lok Sabha Seats: Creation of separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil to ensure better representation.
The padyatra has received support from various sections of society, including retired soldiers, women, and the elderly. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has announced his intention to join the march in October 2024. This growing support highlights the widespread discontent and desire for greater autonomy among Ladakhis.
Furthermore, Ladakh faces significant ecological challenges due to its fragile environment and the impacts of climate change. Wangchuk has repeatedly stressed the region’s vulnerability, which is exacerbated by industrial activities. He argues that the Sixth Schedule is essential to safeguard the region from exploitative practices and preserve its environmental and cultural integrity.
The inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule is also seen as a measure to protect the cultural identity of its tribal communities. The region is home to several tribal groups, including the Balti, Beda, Bot, Brokpa, Drokpa, Changpa, Garra, Mon, and Purigpa. These communities face risks from outside influences that could threaten their traditional ways of life.
Future Outlook
The outcome of this extensive march remains uncertain. The ongoing political attention in Jammu and Kashmir and the ongoing elections could overshadow Ladakh’s demands. However, the march serves as a powerful demonstration of the region’s determination to secure its rights and autonomy. As the padyatra progresses toward Delhi, the participants hope to bring their concerns to the national stage and urge the central government to address their demands effectively.
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