Ladakhi Activist Explains Why India’s Tribal Regions Need and Deserve Greater Autonomy

By Jyoti Jangra

Newsreel Asia Insight #334
November 8, 2024

On Oct. 21, Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 16-day hunger strike after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs agreed to resume discussions on the four key demands made by local leaders. The most crucial demand of the people of Ladakh is for greater autonomy through statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Speaking to Newsreel Asia, a leading Ladakhi activist elaborates on the rationale behind these demands.

The Sixth Schedule and Its Relevance

The Sixth Schedule, which provides for self-governance in tribal regions within the framework of Indian democracy, has thus far been extended only to a few Northeastern states – Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram – to preserve their unique cultural identities. It decentralises power by enabling the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs), which are vested with legislative, administrative, financial and judicial powers. 

The ADCs and ARCs are locally elected councils empowered to make laws on matters like land use, forest management, agriculture and village administration, allowing tribal communities to maintain their customs and independently manage resources. This framework supports local governance while addressing the unique social, economic and cultural needs of tribal populations within India’s democratic structure. Currently, the provisions under the Sixth Schedule apply only to certain tribal areas in the northeast; however, activists from Ladakh argue that similar protections are essential to safeguard the distinct tribal demography, preserve cultural heritage and mitigate environmental damage.

Ladakh’s Unique Demography and Geography 

Ladakh, often referred to as India’s “high-altitude desert,” is a vast, arid mountainous landscape situated in the Trans-Himalayan region. With over 90% of its population identifying as Scheduled Tribes, it meets the criteria for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. The region’s population primarily consists of ethnic groups like the Ladakhis, Baltis and Changpas, largely belonging to Tibetan-Buddhist and Shia-Muslim communities. 

The local economy mainly revolves around agriculture, animal husbandry and tourism, with locals cultivating barley and tending livestock under harsh conditions. With temperatures dropping as low as -60 degrees Celsius during peak winter, life in these remote mountainous regions can be unforgivingly harsh. The indigenous communities habiting the region for centuries have adapted to the persisting challenges of the terrain. Their values, cultural heritage and way of life are key to their survival.

“The core values of Ladakhi society are rooted in unity and a profound connection with nature,” Jigmat Paljor, coordinator of the Apex Body Leh, told Newsreel Asia. “Despite being differentiated on the basis of tribes, we live as one family, practicing a sustainable way of life for centuries.”

“Our communities are also characterised by a deep sense of patriotism. Our people have played a crucial role in safeguarding India’s borders.” Situated between China and Central Asia, Ladakh’s strategic location has led to a substantial Indian Army presence, making the military a major employer for locals. “Historically, we have fought alongside the Indian Army in several wars,” adds the social activist from Ladakh.

History of Governance in Ladakh 

For centuries, Ladakh was a self-governing Himalayan kingdom with a distinct cultural and political identity. It came under the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in the 19th century and remained so post-independence. Ladakh’s governance under J&K often left locals feeling alienated, as key decisions about land, resources and cultural policies were made without sufficient local consultation. Traditional practices involving grazing lands, sacred sites and water resources were sometimes overlooked or restricted by J&K’s administration.

Over the years, Ladakhi leaders voiced concerns about the struggles of tribal communities to adapt to state-imposed policies and governance structure, which inherently go against many of the tribal customs and laws. This led to the creation of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) by an Act in 1995. Local councils established under the Autonomous Hill Development Council Act provided a degree of representation and self-rule to Ladakh.

“The LAHDC oversees 26 subjects, all of which have seen significant development,” explains the coordinator at the Apex Body Leh.

Key accomplishments of the LAHDC include Operation New Hope, a project focused on improving educational infrastructure and quality, especially in remote areas. Traditionally, children in Ladakh grew up speaking Ladakhi at home, but in school, they were taught in Urdu, the official language of Jammu and Kashmir. To make education more inclusive, LAHDC gradually shifted the language of instruction to English. Other areas of governance that witnessed drastic improvement include health and agriculture. The health department today extends their medical facilities to remote and inaccessible areas, while agriculture has also seen significant reforms, including a shift to organic farming. Primitive agricultural practices, which are well-suited to the region, are encouraged through dedicated policies and subsidies.

Over the years, the LAHDC has facilitated greater public participation in planning and development processes, but it has often lacked the necessary powers and funding to operate independently. These challenges have only intensified following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Challenges as a Union Territory 

“Since Ladakh became a Union Territory, rapid corporate investments have taken place in the region,” says Paljor. Direct administration by the central government limits local leaders’ ability to address climate and environmental concerns. “With our fragile ecosystem, there is no room for error. The unchecked exploitation of resources, without consulting indigenous communities, risks causing irreparable damage,” he explains. Visible threats from neglect of environmental concerns have led to melting glaciers and shifting weather patterns. “We rely more on snowfall, but in recent years, increased rainfall and decreased snowfall have led to growing water scarcity in the region.” Flash floods are more frequent, causing loss of life and damage to agriculture, while the rising influx of tourists has increased waste and energy management challenges. 

“The LAHDC is currently restricted to administrative work, lacking legislative or executive powers. Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule would broaden these powers, allowing local leadership to implement development initiatives more effectively and provide localised solutions tailored to the region's unique geography, culture, and linguistic identity.”

Roadblocks to Inclusion of Ladakh under Sixth Schedule 

The provisions under the Sixth Schedule reduce risks associated with centralised governance that may overlook local needs. However, extending these constitutional provisions to include Ladakh faces several roadblocks. Unlike the Northeast, where tribal regions historically received greater autonomy during the colonial-era, Ladakh’s constitutional position is more recent and complex. The central government has hesitated, arguing that existing local bodies, like the Hill Development Councils, are sufficient for regional governance. However, Ladakhi leaders contend that these councils lack a much needed legislative authority.

“Corporate interests pose the biggest roadblock to Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Keeping indigenous communities without constitutional safeguards creates room for greater exploitation of natural resources,” says Paljor.

Another obstacle could be the government’s cautious approach toward expanding the Sixth Schedule, as granting it to Ladakh might set a precedent for other regions with similar demands. Further, Ladakh’s geopolitical sensitivity, given its proximity to China, complicates the issue, with policymakers wary of establishing systems that could disrupt central control in strengthening national security. Paljor counters this by stating, “ Patriotism runs deep within our society, thus empowering indigenous communities in Ladakh would only strengthen border security. In fact, the Indian Army’s job in the unforgiving terrain is made easier with the unwavering support of locals.”

Ladakh’s Future 

“With limited political representation, I fear we will become minorities in our own homeland, akin to living as slaves in colonised settlements,” says Paljor. “The demographic and ecological pressures on Ladakh are already severe. If this continues, we could eventually be forced to become climate refugees.”

The social activist is hopeful that Ladakh, if included in the Sixth Schedule, the local leadership will promptly be able to empower indigenous communities. In the long term, they plan to introduce policies that promote sustainability to counter the impacts of climate change. Ultimately, their vision includes making Ladakh a model state, by balancing modernity, sustainability and innovation.