Yash Khajuria
Leh, Aug 01: The Union Territory of Ladakh is on the brink of receiving a suite of new protections aimed at preserving its land, jobs, and cultural heritage. However, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has rejected these proposals, calling them insufficient and branding them as mere BJP initiatives and reiterated that the only viable solution for Ladakh is the implementation of the ‘Four-Point Agenda.’
In an exclusive interview with The Earth News Ladakh, LAB President Cherring Dorje asserted that the safeguards proposed by the BJP, which include measures like the creation of new districts and the addition of another battalion under the Ladakh Scouts, do not address the core issues faced by the region. According to Dorje, the LAB’s proposed ‘Four-Point Agenda’ remains the sole effective solution for Ladakh’s challenges.
Dorje detailed that a joint delegation from the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Drass for the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. They presented a memorandum advocating for the resumption of discussions on the ‘Four-Point Agenda,’ emphasizing the urgent need for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections to preserve Ladakh’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Following this, a BJP delegation led by state BJP Chief Phunchok Stanzin and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Leh Tashi Gyalson held meetings with the Union Home Minister and other BJP leaders in New Delhi. Recent media reports suggest that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is considering a series of new measures for Ladakh, including creating additional districts, incorporating the Bhoti language into the Eighth Schedule, accelerating work on the Kargil airport, and allowing civilian aircraft at Nubra airport. However, it appears unlikely that the long-sought Sixth Schedule status or restoration of statehood will be granted.
Dorje welcomed the MHA’s proposed steps but stressed that they do not address the fundamental demands of Ladakh’s leadership. “While these measures are positive and will aid in regional development, the concerns of Ladakh can only be fully resolved through the Four-Point Agenda. This includes Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, the creation of two separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, a distinct Public Service Commission for Ladakh, and statehood for the region,” Dorje emphasized.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution is designed to provide protections for land and grant autonomy to tribal areas. Many in Ladakh believe that such provisions are critical for preserving their unique identity and resources. However, it appears that the MHA may not grant this status. Instead, protections might be provided through enhanced powers for the Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils.
Amid these developments, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has criticized the central government for reneging on promises related to statehood and the Sixth Schedule. Wangchuk has announced a planned 28-day hunger strike starting on August 15, India’s Independence Day, if the government does not invite Ladakh authorities for discussions on these crucial issues. Wangchuk, who previously conducted a 21-day fast in March, argues that the government’s withdrawal of promises is influenced by industrial interests and asserts that the proposed protections would not impede defense and national security projects in Ladakh.
The evolving situation highlights the ongoing debate over Ladakh’s future and the quest for a solution that balances development with the preservation of the region’s distinct cultural and ecological heritage.
