Centre Offers Article 371 to Ladakh Amid Statehood Talks

In a significant political development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed granting Article 371-like provisions to Ladakh during a recent dialogue with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The talks come a month after deadly protests over the region’s demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards, during which four people, including a Kargil war veteran, lost their lives in police action.

Background: Ladakh’s Political Demands

Since the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, Ladakh has been functioning as a Union Territory without a legislature. Over the years, discontent has grown among locals, particularly regarding land rights, cultural identity, and political representation.

The LAB and KDA, representing Leh and Kargil respectively, have united in their call for,

• Full statehood for Ladakh
• Sixth Schedule status to protect tribal rights and land ownership
• Release of activists, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, arrested during recent protests
• Compensation for victims of police action in Leh

Article 371 vs Sixth Schedule: What’s at Stake?

The government has offered the possibility of applying Article 371, which provides special provisions to specific states for safeguarding local laws, culture, and administration. It is currently applied in 12 Indian states, including Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, and Sikkim.

However, the groups are demanding Sixth Schedule status, which is more robust and currently applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It allows for,

• Creation of Autonomous District Councils
• Legislative powers on subjects like land, forests, customs, and community laws
• Greater local self-governance, especially for tribal populations
• The insistence on the Sixth Schedule reflects Ladakh’s unique tribal demographic and geographical concerns, which many feel cannot be adequately addressed under Article 371.