In the wake of violent protests in Ladakh, the Congress party has reportedly sought a judicial probe into the matter and has written a letter to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) requesting the same. The protests, which have resulted in fatalities and injuries, stem from demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas. Residents of Ladakh have been demanding inclusion of the Union territory under this schedule. Calls for statehood for both Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir have persisted since the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state was split into the Union territories of J&K and Ladakh.
The protests turned violent, with reports of arson and clashes in Leh. According to ANI, Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta stated that protestors torched a CRPF vehicle and attacked the DG's car with stones. Gupta also alleged a conspiracy behind the statehood protest in Leh, claiming people were being incited by drawing parallels with the youth-led movements in Bangladesh and Nepal that toppled governments there. He warned of the potential consequences had the authorities not intervened and also said a probe would be launched into the role of those involved in the demonstrations.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed for peace, urging people to stop the violence, saying that it damages the cause. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike leading the protest and called off his fast after the outbreak of violence. The Centre has alleged that the mob violence in Ladakh was guided by the “provocative statements” of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh has voiced concern over the violence and urged the Centre to seriously consider the demands of the youth, including constitutional safeguards, to address their aspirations. He also appealed to the people of Ladakh to remain calm and voice their demands peacefully. Singh added that the youth in Ladakh seem frustrated because their employment opportunities are shrinking and that inclusion in something like the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution seems to be an eminently reasonable solution.
The Congress party has asserted that Ladakh's demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, for dignity, and for the protection of their identity is both legitimate and just. The CPI(M) has also condemned the “brutal repression” in Ladakh and alleged that the Union government is responsible for creating the circumstances that led to violence in a traditionally peaceful place, and urged it to engage in “meaningful dialogue”.
Amidst the unrest, a curfew has been imposed in Ladakh, and security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.
