" Kargil Unites: Rallying for Change! Join the Movement Supporting Sonam Wangchuk's Crusade. A Roaring Protest on March 20 Ignites Hope and Determination. Stand Up, Speak Out, Be Heard!"
This move comes amidst escalating tensions in the strategic Ladakh region, bordering China and Pakistan, following the collapse of year-long talks earlier this month. The refusal of a Union home ministry committee to meet Ladakh's demands for constitutional safeguards, notably Sixth Schedule rights and restoration of statehood since its downgrade to a union territory in 2019, has fueled the discontent.
Sajjad Hussain, a key member of the KDA, emphasized that the quest for statehood and Sixth Schedule rights isn't merely a demand but a deeply entrenched sentiment and aspiration of Ladakhis. The recent massive protest in Kargil on March 20, supported by a half-day shutdown orchestrated by the KDA, underscores the growing momentum behind Wangchuk's fasting protest in Leh, braving extreme weather conditions.
With thousands rallying behind this cause, Ladakh's struggle for its rights promises to be a gripping saga as it steers towards a resolution that resonates with the aspirations of its people.
Amidst echoing slogans, protesters converged in Kargil's bustling main market, their fervor echoing demands for the reinstatement of democracy, statehood, and Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, among other pressing issues.
Leading the charge was Asghar Ali Karbalai, co-convenor of the Kargil Democratic Alliance and former J&K lawmaker, igniting the crowd's passion as they marched from Fatima Chowk to Hussaini Park. Karbalai rallied the protesters, urging them to steel themselves for a prolonged battle following the breakdown of negotiations with the Union government.
In a stirring address to the masses, Karbalai denounced the government's underestimation of their resolve, warning against any attempts to suppress Ladakh's voices with brute force. He called upon the people to stand unwavering, prepared to confront any adversity in the relentless struggle for Ladakh and its rightful place in the annals of democracy.
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| Thousands of people gathered in Kargil town of Ladakh to extend support to Sonam Wangchuk who has been on a fast to demand constitutional safeguards for the region. Photo: Special arrangement |
In a bold move, Asghar Ali Karbalai, alongside Sajjad Hussain and Qamar Ali Akhoon, prominent figures within the Kargil Democratic Alliance, announced their solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk's enduring hunger strike, which marked its 16th day on Thursday (March 21).
Wangchuk's steadfast resolve, surviving solely on water and salt since March 6, has been amplified through his poignant social media broadcasts, shedding light on Ladakh's delicate ecosystem and the looming threat posed by industrial development. His messages serve as a poignant reminder to the BJP leadership of the pledges made to Ladakh's people in pre-election manifestos.
In a recent social media post, Wangchuk minced no words, highlighting the hypocrisy of denying Ladakh its democratic rights while proclaiming India as the 'Mother of Democracy'. His hunger strike, orchestrated under the banner of the 'People's Movement for Sixth Schedule for Ladakh', aims to spotlight the urgent need for constitutional safeguards.
Wangchuk's upcoming plans include a daring 'border march', featuring 10,000 Ladakhi shepherds and farmers, aimed at showcasing the ground realities amidst encroachments from both Indian industrial projects and Chinese advances, threatening the region's pastoral lands and traditional way of life.
Karbalai emphasized that the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) would collaborate closely with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), the driving force behind the agitation for constitutional safeguards in the Leh region. This alliance aims to chart a unified path forward following the impasse in talks with the Union government earlier this month.
Dispelling notions of division, Karbalai rebuffed attempts by vested interests to pit the people of Ladakh against each other, asserting that the agitation transcends communal and district boundaries. He underlined the unity among Ladakhis in support of their collective demands.
Beyond the core issues of statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, the LAB-KDA alliance, leading negotiations with the Ministry of Home Affairs panel under Junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai, is also pressing for a job reservation policy in the administration for Ladakh locals and parliamentary representation for both Leh and Kargil districts.
The Sixth Schedule, enshrined in Article 244, offers crucial constitutional safeguards for tribal populations, empowering them to establish autonomous development councils to legislate on matters concerning land, public health, and agriculture, underscoring the significance of their demands.
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| Residents in Leh and Kargil join forces to demand more power as they fear loss of their tribal identity. |
More than four years ago, the division of Ladakh from Indian-administered Kashmir by India's Hindu nationalist government sparked jubilation in Leh, the regional capital. Majority voters even rallied behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, celebrating the fulfillment of a longstanding demand. They had long accused the Kashmir-based leadership of discriminating against Ladakh's Buddhist-majority populace, renowned for its majestic snowcapped peaks and verdant grasslands.
However, the initial euphoria in Leh soon waned. Concerns emerged over the central government's decision to govern the territory directly from New Delhi, prompting fears of democratic marginalization, limited participation in developmental projects, and the militarization of Ladakh's ecologically fragile Himalayan landscape, situated at an awe-inspiring altitude of 5,730 meters (18,800 feet).
On March 6, frustration boiled over as hundreds congregated in Leh following yet another fruitless round of talks with the interior ministry. Renowned Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk initiated a 21-day hunger strike to the brink of death, demanding devolution of power and constitutional safeguards to combat what he deemed as an encroaching external influence endangering their tribal heritage.
"I choose peaceful means... to ensure our government and policymakers recognize our plight and take decisive action," Wangchuk declared, underscoring his commitment to peaceful protest in the face of adversity.
Who is behind the latest protest? What are its demands?
In August 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government made a seismic shift by revoking the special status accorded to Kashmir and dividing it into two federally administered territories – Jammu and Kashmir, alongside Ladakh.
However, leaders in Ladakh lamented their dwindling political representation within the current bureaucratic framework, asserting their limited influence over development projects orchestrated by the administration in New Delhi. Furthermore, the implementation of new laws by the federal government, permitting outsiders to settle and conduct business in the region, has sparked apprehension among the local populace.
Two pivotal autonomous bodies, established in the mid-1990s and early 2000s to facilitate self-governance in Leh and Kargil, have now been significantly stripped of their authority. These local entities, recognized as the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils, once wielded substantial power in matters pertaining to healthcare, land management, and other crucial local affairs in the districts of Leh and Kargil.
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| People celebrated the carving out of Ladakh from Indian-administered Kashmir |
The streets of Ladakh have become a battleground for dissent as citizens voice their discontent through protests. Activist Wangchuk's poignant demonstration last January, enduring a five-day fast amidst subzero temperatures, served as a stark reminder of the ecological peril posed by proposed mining and industrial ventures.
February 3 saw Leh, the epicenter of Ladakh, teeming with thousands of residents united under the banners of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Representing the aspirations of both the Buddhist-majority Leh and Muslim-majority Kargil, these organizations orchestrated a powerful display of solidarity, echoing the collective demands of Ladakh's diverse populace.
The demand for statehood and tribal status under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution reverberates across Ladakh, reflecting the urgent need for autonomous governance tailored to the region's unique needs. With 97 percent of the population classified as tribal, the ability to legislate on vital issues like land, forests, water, and mining is paramount for Ladakh's sustainable development and preservation of its cultural heritage.
Lhador Rapper, a Leh-based student renowned for his protest rap songs, underscores the significance of standing up for Ladakh's rights in the face of adversity. Reflecting on the initial jubilation of 2019, he laments the subsequent disillusionment, emphasizing the pressing need for tangible progress.
Rapper's Hindi-language song "Sixth Schedule for Ladakh" has struck a chord with audiences, amassing over 69,000 views on YouTube. Here's a translated excerpt from its poignant lyrics:
Listen to the voice of Ladakh, my countrymen. How’s this government when one cannot even speak? We aren’t just blabbering. Our home is at risk.
Representatives from Leh and Kargil districts have persistently engaged in protests and dialogues with New Delhi, advocating for the rights of indigenous people concerning land ownership and employment opportunities.
Despite nine rounds of negotiations, discussions between New Delhi and Ladakh leaders have consistently reached an impasse. The latest meeting on March 4 failed to produce any tangible outcomes.
"We are adamant about reinstating democracy in our region," asserts Wangchuk, an educator and a prominent figure in the ongoing protests, encapsulating the sentiments of many Ladakhis.
Historically, Leh's Buddhist majority has harbored grievances about decision-making centralized in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, located 420 kilometers (260 miles) away. Following the revocation of Kashmir's semi-autonomy and Ladakh's subsequent division, hopes were high for a legislature granting Ladakhis a stake in governance. However, disappointment ensued as governance fell under the purview of a lieutenant governor appointed by India's president. Under this setup, Ladakh's residents feel increasingly marginalized.
Previously, stringent regulations prevented outsiders from acquiring land or settling in Ladakh. However, apprehensions are now mounting over potential demographic shifts and environmental degradation. Similar concerns are echoed by Kashmiris.
Ladakh's residents see the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution as a safeguard against demographic changes and external exploitation of resources.
Even local BJP leaders are aligning with these demands. Nawang Samstan, a BJP leader from Leh, affirms their support for constitutional safeguards, standing in solidarity with the people's aspirations.
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| People in Ladakh have also raised concerns about the militarisation of the Himalayan region |
What are the environmental concerns facing Ladakh?
Ladakh's pristine glaciers and glacial lakes, vital water sources for the region, have long been celebrated as the "water tower of Asia." These icy reservoirs, along with the river basins they nourish, constitute precious frozen freshwater reserves, rare treasures in our world.
However, the specter of climate change looms large, ushering in glacier retreat and erratic weather patterns that have thrust Ladakh into a water-stressed predicament, imperiling its future. Adding to these woes is the burgeoning influx of tourists, exerting immense pressure on the region's finite resources.
During the bustling summer season, tourists outnumber the 274,000 locals, with a staggering 450,000 visitors flocking to Ladakh in the first eight months of 2022 alone. Yet, the government's zealous pursuit to ramp up tourism and exploit Ladakh's natural wealth has sparked grave concerns among residents.
Reports indicate plans for seven hydropower projects and burgeoning interest from industrial conglomerates eyeing Ladakh's mineral-rich terrain, boasting reserves of borax, gold, granite, limestone, and marble. Additionally, bids for solar projects abound, while the Ladakh administration seeks clearance to clear 157 hectares (388 acres) of forest land for electricity transmission lines.
While touted as developmental endeavors, Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent voice in the protests, remains skeptical. "Yes, these projects may bring some conveniences, but true development is beyond mere infrastructure," he asserts. "What worth is development devoid of democracy?" Wangchuk questions, warning against Ladakh's transformation into a mere playground for profit-driven industrialists, devoid of the people's voice and aspirations.
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| Local activist Sonam Wangchuk has launched a fast unto death to press for the demands |
"They are not interested in the future or local people."
Amid escalating tensions with China over territorial disputes, India has ramped up military infrastructure in Ladakh, constructing roads, bridges, and acquiring land for military purposes. However, this surge in militarization has left locals who've lost land feeling vulnerable and overlooked.
Speaking anonymously to Al Jazeera, a 35-year-old activist based in Leh expressed the sentiments shared by many locals, lamenting the neglect of their concerns. Despite the strategic imperative, there's a yearning among Ladakh's residents for sustainable military practices that prioritize their well-being and future.
Why have people from Kargil joined the protests?
Kargil, situated around 200km west of Leh, initially desired to align with Muslim-majority Kashmir during the region's division, citing political and financial discrimination from the government in Leh.
However, a remarkable transformation has unfolded in the political landscape over the past three years. Leh and Kargil, bridging religious and political divides, have forged an unprecedented alliance, marking a historic turning point in Ladakh's history.
In a remarkable display of unity, leaders from both districts have set aside their differences, rallying behind what they deem "a fight for Ladakhi identity," as described by Wangchuk. This newfound cohesion transcends individual grievances, heralding a collective effort for a greater cause.
Sajad Kargili, a member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, underscores the palpable shift in sentiment, asserting that people from Leh and Kargil are now firmly aligned. "Our concerns regarding identity, employment, and demographics are genuine, and everyone in the region recognizes it," he affirms.
Indeed, the apprehension isn't limited to demographic shifts alone, but also encompasses the overarching fear of ecological devastation, resonating deeply with residents across both districts. This united front reflects a shared determination to safeguard Ladakh's heritage and future against mounting threats.
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