Ladakh Protests:
Violent protests in Leh, Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status led to four deaths and over 30 injuries. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike amid escalating unrest. In 2019, after abrogation of Article 370, the J&K Reorganisation Act bifurcated Jammu & Kashmir into two UTs—J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Initially welcomed, UT status soon created discontent as powers of Hill Councils reduced, recruitment opportunities shrank, and land safeguards vanished. Since then, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have spearheaded peaceful protests, now escalating due to perceived inaction by the Centre.
Demands of Ladakhi Protesters:
- Full Statehood – for legislative powers, accountability, and stronger representation.
- Sixth Schedule Inclusion – constitutional safeguards for tribal population (90%) to protect land, jobs, and culture.
- Parliamentary Representation – separate Lok Sabha seat for Kargil and one Rajya Sabha seat.
- Public Service Commission – to conduct recruitment fairly and locally.
- Land & Job Security – restrictions on outsiders purchasing land or cornering employment.
