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Ladakh's Long Wait for Justice: Beyond Symbolic Measures Towards Constitutional Safeguards

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On June 3, 2025, the Centre announced measures on reservation, domicile rules, and official languages for Ladakh, following years of protests. However, civil society groups say the measures fall short of key demands: full statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, job security, and constitutional protection of tribal identity, language, and land.

 

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Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction

  2. What Triggered Ladakh’s Unrest?

  3. Geopolitical and Strategic Importance

  4. Demands of the People: More Than Symbolism

  5. The Constitutional Debate: Sixth Schedule, PSC & Lok Sabha Seat

  6. Socio-Economic Challenges: Jobs, Youth, and Infrastructure

  7. Government’s Response: A Timeline

  8. Lessons from the Northeast

  9. The Way Forward

  10. Conclusion

 

1. Introduction:

Since its bifurcation from Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, Ladakh has remained a Union Territory without a legislature—unlike other UTs like Delhi and Puducherry. Despite being rich in culture, ecology, and strategic relevance, the region has seen sustained protests. The youth demand jobs, the tribal communities seek land protection, and civil society demands democratic representation.

 

2. What Triggered Ladakh’s Unrest?

  • Withdrawal of Article 370 and the end of J&K's special status (2019)

  • Ladakh made a UT without a legislative assembly

  • Fears of demographic change, loss of cultural identity, land alienation

  • Diminishing local representation in decision-making processes

 

3. Geopolitical and Strategic Importance:

  • Borders both Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and Chinese-administered Aksai Chin

  • Recent LAC tensions with China in Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake

  • Strategic military hub for India’s northern defence

  • Potential corridor for trade and ecological conservation

 

4. Demands of the People: More Than Symbolism:

  • Full statehood with an elected legislature

  • Sixth Schedule inclusion to protect tribal land and autonomy

  • A public service commission (PSC) to ensure local job reservation

  • A second Lok Sabha seat to enhance democratic representation

  • Constitutional recognition of Boti and Purgi languages

 

5. The Constitutional Debate: Sixth Schedule, PSC & Lok Sabha Seat:

  • Sixth Schedule (Articles 244 & 275) enables autonomous councils for tribal areas (e.g. in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura)

  • Ladakh has 80% tribal population but is excluded

  • Mizoram (92% reservation), Arunachal (80%), and others show precedence

  • PSC and Lok Sabha representation are key for local empowerment

 

6. Socio-Economic Challenges: Jobs, Youth, and Infrastructure:

  • Over 1,275 gazetted posts remain unfilled (as per MHA report to Parliament)

  • High youth unemployment; lack of skill training centres

  • Difficult geography hampers road and telecom connectivity

  • Harsh climate and poor healthcare access

  • Climate-sensitive zones threatened by unregulated tourism and development

 

7. Government’s Response: A Timeline

  • 2019: UT status granted, protests begin

  • 2020–2022: Calls for Sixth Schedule inclusion ignored

  • 2023: Centre forms High-Powered Committee (HPC) under MoS Nityanand Rai

  • June 2025: New domicile and job reservation policy announced: 85% for locals

However, demands for constitutional safeguards and statehood remain unfulfilled.

 

8. Lessons from the Northeast:

  • States like Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have special constitutional protections for tribal populations

  • Local councils and state assemblies ensure people’s voice in governance

  • Northeast’s history shows that symbolic integration without real power leads to alienation

  • Sixth Schedule and statehood together brought stability to tribal-majority areas

 

9. The Way Forward:

  • Constitutional Inclusion: Urgently consider Sixth Schedule for Ladakh

  • Statehood Roadmap: Create a phased plan for establishing a legislative assembly

  • Job Creation & PSC: Set up a Public Service Commission; fill all vacancies

  • Ecological Safeguards: Promote sustainable development models in fragile zones

  • Cultural Autonomy: Protect Boti, Purgi, and other native languages

  • Decentralised Planning: Empower hill councils and local bodies for decision-making

  • Border Security with Development: Balance strategic priorities with citizen well-being.

 

10. Conclusion:

Symbolic gestures will not heal Ladakh’s deepening wounds. With its strategic location, tribal character, and distinct identity, Ladakh requires constitutional sensitivity—not administrative uniformity. Real empowerment demands not just consultation but inclusion, not just reservation but representation.

It’s time the Centre walks the talk-by converting promises into justice.

 

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