The Struggle for Ladakh Rights
The Protests in Ladakh
Last month, more than 30,000 people gathered in Ladakh to protest, representing over 10% of the region’s population. The protesters voiced their demands, which include the inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, full statehood for Ladakh, electing 2 MPs from Ladakh, and establishing a Public Service Commission to provide secure jobs. These demands aim to protect the democratic rights, the environment, and the people of Ladakh.
Demands of the Protesters
The demands put forward by the protesters are as follows:
- Inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution to protect tribal areas and promote democracy.
- Granting full statehood to Ladakh to give the region its own Legislative Assembly and government.
- Electing 2 MPs from Ladakh, as currently, only 1 MP is representing the region in the Lok Sabha and 0 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
- Establishing a Public Service Commission to provide secure job opportunities for the people of Ladakh.
Significance of the 6th Schedule
The 6th Schedule of the Constitution protects tribal populations by allowing them to form Autonomous District Councils and Autonomous Regional Councils. These councils have the power to administer tribal areas, make laws about land and forests, and protect their socio-cultural customs. It also provides democratic rights to the tribal people.
Environmental Concerns
Ladakh, despite its lack of forests, is vulnerable to climate change. The region faces the threat of natural disasters, flash floods, and landslides if its resources are exploited. With a majority of the population falling under the Scheduled Tribes category, the 6th Schedule would provide democratic rights to the people of Ladakh, protecting their land and resources.
Political Shifts and Manifesto Promises
It is worth noting that the BJP, in its manifesto, had promised to include Ladakh in the 6th Schedule. However, despite these promises, the government has not taken action, leading to repeated protests and an indefinite fast by Sonam Wangchuk. The refusal to fulfill these demands raises questions about the government’s motives and the future of Ladakh rights and the environment.
The Demands of the Protesters
Last month, over 30,000 people gathered in Ladakh Rights to voice their demands, representing more than 10% of the region’s population. The demands put forward by the protesters are as follows:
- Inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution: The protesters seek to protect tribal areas, promote democracy, and ensure the preservation of their socio-cultural customs and resources.
- Granting full statehood to Ladakh: This would provide the region with its own Legislative Assembly and government, allowing the people of Ladakh to exercise their democratic rights more effectively.
- Electing 2 MPs from Ladakh: Currently, only 1 MP is representing the region in the Lok Sabha and 0 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, which the protesters aim to change to ensure adequate representation at the national level.
- Establishing a Public Service Commission: The protesters are seeking the establishment of a commission to provide secure job opportunities for the people of Ladakh, ensuring employment security and stability.
The Government’s Response and Environmental Concerns
After the significant protest in Ladakh, the government’s response to the demands of the protesters has been a matter of concern. The demands put forward by the protesters, including the inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, full statehood, electing 2 MPs from Ladakh, and establishing a Public Service Commission, have not been addressed adequately. Despite promises made in the BJP’s manifesto, the government has not taken substantial action, leading to repeated protests and an indefinite fast by Sonam Wangchuk.
Environmental Concerns
Ladakh Rights, despite its lack of forests, is vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation. The region faces the threat of natural disasters, flash floods, and landslides if its resources are exploited. The 6th Schedule would provide democratic rights to the people of Ladakh, protecting their land and resources, and preserving the unique ecological features and endangered species found in the region.
Refusal to Fulfill Demands
The refusal of the government to fulfill the demands raises questions about its motives and the future of Ladakh rights and environment. The government’s reluctance to include Ladakh Rights in the 6th Schedule may be linked to concerns over losing control over the region’s land and forests. This raises concerns about corporate exploitation and its detrimental impact on the environment and cultural diversity of Ladakh.