05/10/2024
Ladakh Activists Begin Indefinite Hunger Strike Demanding Inclusion in Sixth Schedule
Ladakh, India – A group of prominent activists from Ladakh have commenced an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This action follows prolonged appeals to the central government to provide constitutional safeguards to protect the unique culture, identity, and land rights of the region’s indigenous communities.
The hunger strike, which began on [insert date], is being led by key figures from Ladakh’s social and political organizations. Their primary demand is that the Sixth Schedule be extended to Ladakh to ensure the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage and its fragile ecosystem, which activists argue are at risk due to rapid changes since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
Activists claim that since Ladakh became a Union Territory, its traditional autonomy has been compromised, making it vulnerable to outside influences that could erode the indigenous way of life. The Sixth Schedule provides special provisions for the administration of tribal areas, granting them greater control over their land, resources, and governance through autonomous district councils.
"Ladakh's people have always been the protectors of this region’s unique identity and environment. The Sixth Schedule is the only way to safeguard this legacy for future generations," said [insert activist name], one of the hunger strikers.
Despite several rounds of discussions with the central government, no concrete action has been taken so far to meet these demands, leading to frustration among the local population. The protesters vow to continue their hunger strike until their demands are met, emphasizing that their movement is peaceful and aims to draw attention to the urgency of constitutional protection.
The situation in Ladakh is being closely watched, with local residents and various social groups expressing solidarity with the hunger strikers. As the protest continues, pressure is mounting on the government to respond to the concerns of Ladakh’s people and address their demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
The coming days will determine how the central government handles the growing unrest in the strategically significant region.