Why in News: On Sept 24, 2025, protests in Ladakh demanding Statehood, Sixth Schedule status, and local safeguards turned violent, leaving 4 dead and many injured, exposing a trust deficit between locals and the Centre.
Core Demands
1. Statehood for Ladakh – for full political autonomy and legislative powers.
2. Inclusion under Sixth Schedule – to protect tribal culture, land, and resources.
3. Reservation for Locals – in jobs, education, and governance institutions.
4. Greater Representation – in decision-making bodies beyond Hill Councils.
Underlying Issues
- Governance Deficit: Direct UT administration perceived as alienating.
- Socio-Cultural Concerns: Fear of demographic change, erosion of tribal identity.
- Economic Fragility: Climate change, limited livelihood options, reliance on tourism/defense.
- Trust Deficit: Divergence between Centre’s perception (instigation/foreign hand) and people’s lived realities.
- Security Dimensions
- Ladakh’s strategic location bordering China and Pakistan makes stability vital.
- Protests risk internal vulnerability and external exploitation.
Way Forward
1. Inclusive Dialogue – sustained engagement with LAB, KDA, youth leaders.
2. Institutional Safeguards – tailored autonomy (Sixth Schedule/Article 371-like provisions).
3. Balanced Development – eco-sensitive infrastructure, local employment generation.
4. Confidence-Building Measures – transparency in decision-making, local representation in advisory councils.
5. Security with Sensitivity – strict action on violence, but no dilution of democratic aspirations.
Conclusion
Legitimate aspirations of Ladakhis must be reconciled with national security. Sustainable peace requires dialogue, decentralisation, and dignity, not just administrative concessions.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Issues of federalism, Union Territories, Sixth Schedule, local representation.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “The recent unrest in Ladakh highlights the tension between legitimate regional aspirations and national security imperatives. Discuss the structural causes of mistrust and suggest measures to reconcile them.” (250 words)