Why is it in the news?
Protests were held in Leh and Kargil demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
The demands aim to address representation issues and protect tribal identity and resources.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● Ladakh was made a Union Territory without legislature under J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.
● This created a “representation deficit” as decision-making shifted to bureaucrats.
● Earlier Ladakh had representation through MLAs in J&K Assembly.
● Over 97% of Ladakh’s population belongs to tribal communities.
● Sixth Schedule under Article 244(2) provides autonomy to tribal areas through ADCs.
● Autonomous District Councils have legislative, administrative and judicial powers.
● Demand includes statehood, Sixth Schedule status, PSC and two parliamentary seats.
● Concerns include strategic sensitivity due to borders with China and Pakistan.
● Ladakh Reservation Regulation 2025 provides 85% reservation and domicile criteria.