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In August 2025, a large protest rally was held in Kargil, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The rally marked the conclusion of a three-day hunger strike and was organized jointly by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The protesters criticized the delay in resuming dialogue by the Centre, despite the formation of a high-powered committee by the Union Home Ministry in January 2023 to address Ladakh’s concerns. Earlier discussions led to the introduction of a domicile policy with a 15-year eligibility criterion beginning from 2019.

Background

• On 5 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, and Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories—J&K with legislature and Ladakh without legislature.
• Since then, political groups and civil society in Ladakh have been demanding statehood for democratic representation and Sixth Schedule inclusion to safeguard land, resources, and cultural identity.

Ladakh Statehood Demand

• Objective: To grant a democratically elected legislature with full legislative powers.
• Rationale: Local representation, protection of fragile ecology, and preservation of Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage.

Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

• Constitutional Basis: Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
• Current Applicability: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Purpose: To safeguard tribal communities’ rights through Autonomous District and Regional Councils (ADCs).

Key Features

• Autonomous Councils: Elected bodies with powers over land, forests, agriculture, village administration, and social customs.
• Judicial Powers: Village councils/courts to resolve community disputes.
• Revenue & Taxation: Power to levy taxes on land, trade, and professions.
• Governor’s Role: Can alter council boundaries and approve laws.
• Financial Provisions: Grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India under Article 275(1).
• Cultural Safeguards: Protection against alienation of tribal land and exploitation by outsiders.

Significance of Demand

• Democratic Governance: Ensures political autonomy and local participation.
• Cultural Protection: Safeguards Ladakh’s Buddhist and tribal identity.
• Environmental Security: Allows better control over fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens governance in a border region critical for India’s national security.