Ladakhis Unite to Demand Protections and Statehood After Loss of Kashmir Status
• People in Ladakh are protesting over concerns about loss of political representation, lack of say in development projects, and threats to their tribal identity since the region was separated from Jammu & Kashmir.
• Protesters are demanding statehood for Ladakh, greater autonomy through Sixth Schedule tribal protections in the Indian constitution, and safeguards over land ownership and jobs.
• Both Buddhists in Leh and Muslims in Kargil have united over shared fears of demographic and environmental changes from an influx of outsiders.
• Planned infrastructure projects, increased tourism, and military buildup have raised worries over ecological damage, resource scarcity, and land appropriation.
• After 9 unsuccessful rounds of talks with the federal government, local leaders launched hunger strikes and protests to press their demands.