Ladakhi residents are actively protesting and advocating for political representation from the government. The abrogation of Article 370 resulted in Ladakh being bifurcated into a separate Union Territory but devoid of its own legislature. The region is predominantly administered by bureaucrats, which has sparked discontent among the locals. The absence of a local representative has not only fueled demands for political autonomy but is also linked to environmental degradation, as bureaucrats may struggle to comprehend and address Ladakh’s unique challenges compared to a locally elected representative.
What is 6th schedule?
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution encompasses crucial provisions pertaining to the administration of tribal areas in specific states, namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. This schedule delineates a framework for the autonomous governance of these tribal areas. The relevant articles outlining the Sixth Schedule’s provisions are Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the Indian Constitution. Through these constitutional provisions, the Sixth Schedule aims to ensure a specialized administrative setup that addresses the unique needs and aspirations of the tribal communities in these specified states. The rationale behind the special arrangements for only four states under the Sixth Schedule stems from the distinct socio-cultural context of the tribal communities in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Unlike tribal populations in other regions of India, those in these specific states have retained a significant degree of separation from the mainstream way of life. These areas are often considered anthropological specimens, where the tribal groups have preserved their unique culture, customs, and civilization. In contrast to tribal communities in other parts of the country, who have to varying degrees adopted the culture of the majority population around them, the tribes in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram maintain a strong connection to their roots. Recognizing this cultural distinction, the Constitution accords these areas special treatment, granting a substantial degree of autonomy for self-governance to preserve and protect their distinct way of life. The isolation of many tribal communities categorized as “Scheduled Tribes,” particularly those residing in hills and forest areas, has historically made the administration of these tribal areas a matter of significant concern. The constitutional provisions under the Sixth Schedule aim to address these unique circumstances by providing a framework that respects the autonomy of these tribal communities in the specified states.
The issue
On January 21, 2023, Sonam Wangchuk initiated a hunger strike in the Khardungla region, aiming to highlight Ladakh’s demands to the government. He asserted that the government had been indifferent to the challenges faced by Ladakh. However, law enforcement officials, under the pretext of concerns for his personal health and portraying his hunger strike as a potential suicide, obstructed his protest. They escorted him back to his educational institution, and imposed restrictions preventing him from leaving the premises. Additionally, a significant section of the population is rallying in support of Ladakh’s cause, calling for the implementation of the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the region. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that approximately 95% of the Ladakh population comprises tribal communities. The call for the implementation of the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in Ladakh gains added significance in light of this demographic composition, as it seeks to address the unique concerns and aspirations of the tribal majority in the region. The Ladakh issue becomes particularly concerning due to the fragile ecosystem of the high Himalayas, encompassing vital components such as glaciers. Referred to as the ‘3rd pole of the planet,’ the Ladakh Himalayan glacial system plays a crucial role in sustaining approximately 2 billion people. However, the alarming threat arises from indiscriminate mining activities in these areas. Such activities not only jeopardize the local population by accelerating the depletion of glaciers but also pose a significant risk to the broader North Indian region, potentially leading to severe water shortages. Furthermore, a pertinent argument in the Ladakh issue centers around the region’s perceived scarcity of natural resources, particularly water, to effectively manage the substantial influx of tourists. Ladakhi leadership contends that sustainable development is crucial, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the fragile ecosystem. The concern is that uncontrolled tourist activity could strain the limited resources in Ladakh, necessitating careful planning and sustainable practices to ensure the region’s long-term environmental and socio-economic well-being. The local populace in Ladakh expresses a desire for development aligned with the principles of the 6th Schedule. This constitutional provision advocates that development decisions be made by autonomous councils, ensuring a more participatory and locally-driven approach. Ladakhi residents are keen on fostering development that not only meets their needs but also adheres to the autonomy granted by the 6th Schedule, allowing them a greater say in shaping the region’s progress and safeguarding their unique cultural and environmental concerns. Moreover, there is a growing demand for the restoration of democracy in Ladakh, given the current governance structure where a Lieutenant Governor, appointed directly by the central government, holds significant authority. With only one elected Member of Parliament, whose role is limited, the populace is advocating for a more inclusive and participatory democratic setup. The call for democratic reforms is aimed at empowering the local residents with a stronger voice in shaping the governance of Ladakh and ensuring their representation in decision-making processes.
Current setup VS the demands
Protesters assert that the introduction of the 6th Schedule would empower indigenous communities to independently manage their land, employment, and environment, fostering greater people’s participation. However, scrutiny arises from the example of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, where 26 out of 30 members are elected, yet the council’s influence in the development process is limited, confined to tax collection, and its decisions lack binding authority over the Lieutenant Governor. The demand for the 6th Schedule is rooted in the fact that the majority of the population is tribal, despite the Buddhist and Muslim affiliations of Ladakh’s residents, who may not experience the same level of alienation as the tribal communities in Northeast India. Additionally, the BJP’s 2019 election manifesto in Ladakh pledged to implement the 6th Schedule, but this commitment remains unfulfilled despite being voted into power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a viable solution to break the deadlock in Ladakh is the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system, a system of local elections in India. This would enhance public representation and engagement in decision-making processes. It is crucial to avoid incarcerating protesting individuals, particularly the youth, as such measures may inadvertently cultivate seeds for militancy. Additionally, granting more substantial rights to autonomous councils is imperative, ensuring that decisions made by these councils carry significant weight in the development process. Furthermore, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of the local population over the interests of industrial businessmen for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to development in Ladakh.
