Ladakhi Advocacy Group Starts Protest to Demand Statehood and Policies

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-08-09 09:48:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-23 00:21:29

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 19

---

Ladakh has been in the news recently for increased political activism surrounding demands for full statehood or special status as a territory. The recent three-day hunger strike by Ladakhi activists to demand statehood and Sixth Schedule extension certainly adds a new dimension to this story and has resonance beyond Ladakhi interests.

The core team of Ladakhi practitioners, scholars, and activists, who call themselves leuk ('snow' in Shina) staged the hunger strike at Leh's Polo Ground, demanding the revocation of Ladakh as a Union Territory and instead, granting it full statehood or special status as a territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The three-day hunger strike was part of their campaign, 'Ladakh statehood and empowerment campaign'.

They argue that under the current union territory status, they have no leverage to protect their interests, culture, and heritage. Furthermore, the lack of political representation in the Union Territory of Ladakh has left them utterly disappointed with the central government and the administration.

The protesters said they would not back down until their demands are met. This statement comes at a time when there has been a growing chorus for greater autonomy in the region and increasing frustration with the central government's apathy towards addressing the unique needs and issues of Ladakh.

This latest incident sheds light on the growing discontent and simmering tensions that reflect broader regional aspirations and political negotiations in India.

Go!