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28m ago

NCST Minutes Bolster Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule Demand as Centre Sets October Talks

Disclosure that three ministries raised no objection in 2019 reframes the debate ahead of October talks.

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Resentment has been growing in Ladakh over Delhi's direct rule, with concerns about losing traditional livelihoods, land rights, and cultural identity
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Overview

  • Newly reported NCST minutes show that on September 11, 2019 the commission recommended Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh after Home, Tribal Affairs, and Law ministries said they had no objection.
  • The Centre argues the Sixth Schedule was crafted for the Northeast and says applying it to Ladakh would require constitutional amendments and poses precedent and security concerns.
  • Violence in Leh on September 24 left four people dead and around 80 injured, with the BJP and Hill Council offices and police and CRPF vehicles set on fire as the LAB sought an independent probe.
  • Police arrested climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 26 after his prolonged hunger strike, and the Home Ministry has accused him of instigating the violence.
  • A preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry has been rescheduled to September 29, with formal talks set for October 6, as the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance press demands for Sixth Schedule protections and statehood.