Why in news?
Residents of Ladakh have renewed their demand for full statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Civil society organisations staged peaceful protests and held talks with central representatives in August 2025.
Background
In August 2019 the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated, creating the Union Territory of Ladakh without a legislative assembly. The region’s population is largely tribal and sparsely distributed across a fragile Himalayan environment. Many fear that direct central administration leaves local culture and land vulnerable to external exploitation.
Demands
- Statehood: An elected legislature is sought to provide greater autonomy over developmental policies, especially on land use, infrastructure and employment.
- Sixth Schedule inclusion: The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides for autonomous councils that can make laws on land, forests and cultural practices. Ladakh’s groups argue that such protection is necessary to safeguard tribal identity and resources.
- Environmental safeguards: Activists stress the need for strict environmental regulations to protect glaciers, pastures and biodiversity from unregulated tourism and industry.
Significance
The issue illustrates the balance between national integration and local self‑governance. Granting appropriate autonomy could empower indigenous communities while maintaining national security in this strategically important region.