The land of the world’s highest passes has long been a region of strategic importance and cultural richness. However, recent years have brought about a cascade of changes which have significantly altered its socio-political landscape. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a watershed moment for Ladakh. This move bifurcated the region into two separate Union territories – Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir – bringing with it a myriad of complexities and challenges.
One of the most pressing issues in Ladakh today is the demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution. The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas, offering a degree of autonomy and safeguards for the preservation of tribal culture and identity. The demand for the restoration of special provisions particularly regarding land and job protections, in Ladakh stems from concerns about preserving the region’s unique identity, culture, and demographic composition.
Following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Ladakh celebrated its newfound separate identity from Jammu and Kashmir but by 2024 it turned into resentment. Today, it is demanding the same old safeguards which were once guaranteed under Article 370 i.e. protection of job and land rights. While all this is happening, the mainstream media’s disinterest in the issue has only aggravated the situation.
The most prominent figure in Ladakh’s discourse today is Sonam Wangchuk, an environmentalist and education reformer. We all know him because of the portrayal of his life’s story in the movie Three Idiots. Wangchuk, known for his work in sustainable development and education, has raised alarm bells about environmental degradation and ecological imbalance in Ladakh. His hunger strike in March 2024 drew attention to the need for sustainable development practices in the region and highlighted the importance of preserving Ladakh’s culture and fragile ecosystem.
Also read: The Roots of Discontent in Ladakh
Despite these significant developments and challenges, the national media has largely remained silent on the issues facing Ladakh. The lack of coverage has hindered efforts to bring attention to the region’s concerns and has perpetuated a sense of neglect among the Ladakhi people.
‘Youth perspective on protests in Ladakh’
Many students from Ladakh studying in parts of J&K and across India took to the streets in support of the hunger strike call by Sonam Wangchuk. Most of the time, the UT of Ladakh is left out in the cold. Back in 2020 when youth from J&K were leading a movement against the ill-conceived job policies, many students from Ladakh took to the streets demanding job reservation, Sixth Schedule and a separate Public Service Commission.
August 1, 2020: Students in Ladakh on hunger strike demanding Job reservation, separate PSC and 6th Schedule,
One of the fallout of abrogation of Article 370 followed by implementation of New Domicile law was that the students of Ladakh became ineligible for any government jobs in J&K. Another major reason behind protection of job and land rights is the domicile law of Jammu and Kashmir, which came into effect after the abrogation of Article 370, specifies that only those who fulfil certain criteria, including residency requirements, can apply for government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir. This law was introduced to replace the previous state subject law, which defined who could be considered a permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir and enjoy certain privileges, including the right to own land and apply for government jobs. One of the criteria for domicile in Jammu and Kashmir is residency for a specified period.
Since Ladakh is now a separate Union territory, residents of Ladakh are not considered residents of Jammu and Kashmir for the purpose of this law. Therefore, Ladakhi students or residents do not automatically qualify for domicile status in Jammu and Kashmir and, as a result, cannot apply for government jobs there under the current regulations. This has led to concerns among Ladakhis about their ability to access opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in government employment. The issue highlights the complexities and challenges that have arisen as a result of the changes in the region’s administrative and legal framework following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union territories.
Ladakh, now a separate Union territory, does not have a legislature to enact laws to protect these rights. The demand for the restoration of these provisions in Ladakh is driven by the fear of losing the region’s distinct cultural and demographic identity, as well as concerns about potential demographic changes due to increased migration and investment from other parts of India. The demand reflects the desire of the local population to maintain control over land ownership and access to government jobs to ensure that the region’s unique character, its ecological balance and interests are preserved.
Also read: ‘We Demand Statehood’: Shutdown in Ladakh as Protesters Call for Inclusion in Sixth Schedule
‘Concerns regarding the delicate eco-system of Ladakh’
Climate Front-Jammu, an environmental conservation organisation based in Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed support for Ladakh. Over the past few years, the organisation has been actively involved in advocating for the conservation of the Raika Forest and the rivers of Jammu and Kashmir. They have led nationwide campaigns and protests to protect Jammu’s lungs, particularly the Raika Forest.
Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike. Photo: Screengrab from video
During a recent protest in Jammu, the founding director, Anmol Ohri, an environmentalist expressed solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk by stating the following:
“Much like Leh and Kargil, despite their differences, united to protect Ladakh’s ecosystem, I am optimistic that Jammu and Kashmir, despite their differences, will also unite to preserve their environment. I extend this hope to the entire country and the world. The current situation in Ladakh is a precursor to environmental degradation in Himalayan states and across India. As of today, Ladakh has realised that Article 370, through its constitutional safeguards, restrained unsustainable development that would have led to environmental harm, i hope people of J&K realise that too, sooner than later. The destruction due to unchecked development is evident in Ladakh today. We stand at a critical juncture of global warming, where any disruption in the Himalayan region is unaffordable. It is crucial for all Himalayan states to come together. I hold similar expectations for the rest of the country and the world. These times demand vigilance and unity; we cannot afford to be complacent.”
‘Geo-strategic importance of Ladakh post-Galwan crisis’
The region is at a crossroads, grappling with the need for development while striving to preserve its cultural and environmental heritage.
However, Ladakh’s scenario cannot be seen in domestic isolation only as it carries critical Sino-border implications as well. Ladakh’s geostrategic importance, particularly in light of China’s encroachment, plays a pivotal role due to security significance, especially in eastern Ladakh crucial for China’s CPEC project.
China’s discomfort with the abrogation of Article 370 is palpable through its persistent claims over Ladakh, including denial of India’s top Court rulings, heightening tensions. New Delhi comprehending the security significance, has a plan of heavy infrastructure deployment in Ladakh. “The establishment of an airstrip and road to connect to Daulat Beg Oldi is a component of India’s geopolitical strategy to counter Chinese aggression. Finished in 2020, this infrastructure grants the Indian Army access to a portion of the G-219 Tibet-Xinjiang highway that traverses Indian territory, which China has illegally occupied in Aksai Chin since 1962.”
Furthering on to experts’ calculations the Sino-India Ladakh border may face tactical tests amid the unfolding situation in the Taiwan Strait”. “Ladakh is a hyper-sensitive region and the situation demands meaningful dialogue and negotiation, ensuring Ladakhi voices in decision-making. Additionally, the government must acknowledge that in a democracy, stifling dissent with measures like Section 144 and force is not viable rather needs engagement with stakeholders by gaining locals’ confidence for balancing environmental concerns, Ladakhi aspirations and government called calculations on China.”
Moreover, the timing of the domestic election in India and China’s disposition, both are unfavourable and postulations are being made for diversionary move due to China’s growing insecurities over the Taiwan issue and its domestic economic uncertainties. Furthering on to experts’ calculations the Sino-India Ladakh border may face tactical tests amid the unfolding situation in the Taiwan Strait.
“The protests in Ladakh were reminiscent of the farmer protests where the government initially downplayed them, but we witnessed their escalation thereafter, with its ripple effects still being witnessed in Punjab, churning state’s law and order machinery. Thus we conclude that “The demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule reflects the Ladakhi people’s desire for self-governance and autonomy in decision-making processes that impact their lives. In conclusion, Ladakh is a region of immense beauty and cultural significance, but it is also a region facing numerous challenges. The demand for the Sixth Schedule, Sonam Wangchuk’s concerns about the environment, and the silence of the national media all underscore the need for greater attention and action to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Ladakh and its people”. Ladakh which was once a crossroad of Asia is today on crossroad again”
Kanwal Singh is a Freelance columnist and Policy Analyst from J&K. Sagina Walyat is an AsiaGlobal Fellow at the University of Hong Kong and a lawyer in high courts.