1: Resurgence of Demand for Statehood in Icy Ladakh

- Thousands of Ladakh residents, battling harsh sub-zero temperatures, are out on the streets pushing for their demands of statehood.

- Their demands revolve around the unique needs of the region including job opportunities, land protection and parliamentary representation.

2: The Genesis of the Demand

- The origin of these demands traces back to the decision made by the Government in 2019 which revoked Article 370, thereby removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

- This decision culminated in the division of Jammu and Kashmir into Ladakh and the remaining regions.

- Post-division, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) were formed in the successive year by the districts of Leh and Kargil to address public grievances and demands.

3: Unravelling the Demands of Ladakh

- In line with their determination to assume greater control over their affairs, the residents of Ladakh are advocating for the elevation of Ladakh from a Union Territory to a fully-fledged State.

- The people's aspiration for job reservations has been partly fulfilled by the Ladakh administration's decision to raise the Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation in direct recruitments from 10% to 45% in 2023.

- The articulation for distinct parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil underlines an appreciation of the unique demographic and geographical peculiarities of each region.

- Civil society groups are rallying for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, as safeguarding their land, resources, and employment have become paramount concerns following the revocation of Article 370.

4: Understanding the 6th Schedule

- Under Article 244, the Sixth Schedule authorises the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) within designated states.

- Currently operational in tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, these councils enjoy legislative, judicial and administrative powers.

- Their mandate includes lawmaking and governing local infrastructure on a variety of matters such as land, forests, and village administration.

5: Insights into Ladakh

- Administered by India as a Union Territory, Ladakh is strategically positioned within the larger Kashmir region.

- It shares borders with Tibet, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and China.

- Historically, as a trade nexus, Ladakh continues to be of strategic importance. Leh and Kargil are its major towns and are home to a diverse range of religious groups.

- Despite a sparse population, cultural ties with Tibet persist in Ladakh. It has a predominantly tribal population, with scheduled tribes such as Balti Beda, Bot (or Boto), Brokpa (or Drokpa, Dard, Shin), Changpa, Garra, Mon, and Purigpa.