Ladakh From celebration To restlessness

 

Ladakh, has been a politically quiet Himalayan region compared to its neighbour UT Jammu and Kashmir. It has witnessed far less political unrest and cross border insurgency than the decades of conflict in the Kashmir Valley. Known for its Buddhist monasteries, stark beauty, and the resilience of its people, it has symbolized calm and endurance. To India, Ladakh is not merely a frontier but a vital sentinel of sovereignty, guarding sensitive borders with both China and Pakistan. Yet beneath this serenity, a political storm now brews. The recent violent protests in Leh leaving four death and dozens injured have shattered the illusion of calm. The paradox is striking: how has a region that welcomed, celebrated Union Territory status with joy, jubilation and pride in 2019 now find itself burning with anger, demanding full statehood? Historically, in ancient texts, it is known as Maryul (“low land”) or Muryul (“red country”). The region bore the imprints of Dardic, Mon, and Tibetan migrations. By the 10th century CE, Tibetan ruler Skit Lde Nemagon unified Ladakh into a centralized kingdom, later strengthened under King Singge Namgyal in the 17th century, who built Leh Palace and extended influence into western Tibet. Ladakh was never a mere frontier. It was an important corridor for the trans-Himalayan trade linking Tibet, Kashmir, and Central Asia. It was also a cultural bridge between Buddhism travelled northward into Tibet through Ladakh, while Islam found peaceful acceptance here through 16th-century missionary movements. But the 19th century reversed its fortunes. Wars with Tibet and internal instability made Ladakh vulnerable. In 1842, it came under Dogra rule as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Post-1947, China occupied Aksai Chin, Pakistan took Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan even ceded territory to China in 1963. What remained under India was reduced to Leh and Kargil districts. The people and soldiers of Ladakh have stood firm in defending India, whether against the raiders of 1947 or during the 1962 war with China. The Ladakh Scouts resisted Chinese aggression. In 1971, they played a crucial role in securingIndia’s northern defences, and during the 1999 Kargil War, they earned the proud title of “Snow Warriors.” Colonel Chewang Rinchen, was twice decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra, and hailed as “The Lion of Ladakh.” Sher Jung Thapa is credited with halting the enemy’s advance for six months during the Pak invasion. Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Naib Subedar Chering Mutup and many other valiant warriors of War whose legacy remains as a lasting memorial. Countless Indian soldiers too have laid down their lives to defend the precious frontiers of Ladakh. Among them, Major Shaitan Singh, stands out as a celebrated hero, who fought with unparalleled courage and made the supreme sacrifice in 1962 Battle of Rezang La- a pivotal moment of that war. Among the political figures the most notable, is Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the statesman monk, who ensured Ladakh’s place within the Indian Union and extended India’s influence into Buddhist Asia. As India’s ambassador to Mongolia, eminent Buddhist lama, worked tirelessly to revive Buddhism in Mongolia and Russia. The turning point 2019 When Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019 and Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories, Ladakh erupted in celebration. For decades, Ladakhis felt neglected under Kashmiri domination. The grant of UT status seemed to promise direct attention from Delhi, greater empowerment and safeguards for land and jobs. Ladakh has been not only a sentinel of India’s northern borders but also a bridge of civilizations, with both strategic significance and cultural richness. This is not merely a land of pashmina and monasteries, but a sensitive border region where every administrative decision carries national security implications. The grouse Five years later, the jubilation has curdled into disappointment. The Leh Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) perceive UT status toothless, subordinate to centrally appointed officials. With only one Lok Sabha seat, no Rajya Sabha presence, and negligible influence in decision-making, Ladakhis feel voiceless. The Sixth Schedule protections for safeguarding land, jobs, and culture, they say, are unfulfilled. Massive protests break out in Leh, Ladakh, today as demonstrators demand an advance of talks with the central government on extending the Sixth Schedule and granting statehood to the region. The agitation In this milieu, Ladakh’s younger generation, particularly Gen ‘Z’, influenced by recent unrest in Nepal, Bangaldesh, Sri Lanka and fuelled by social media took to the streets, resorting to vandalism and arson. Sources point out environmental activist, Sonam Wangchuk, who had been observing a ‘fast unto death’ to press demands like statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh “ has long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring style protest in Ladakh and also made reference to Gen Z protests in Nepal.” That, he used the hunger strike platform for his personal issues and to hide certain irregularities that are coming to light now. That the ensuing meeting between of LAB/KDA and government was schedule for Oct 6 when Delhi has already opened channels for talks but the anger has been premeditated and deliberate. While Delhi recognizes its strategic significance and has invested heavily in defence infrastructure, the civilian needs - education, healthcare, jobs, governance needs to be looked after. Ladakh, today is not alienated, its people seek partnership not separation. For Delhi, Ladakh is foremost a military buffer against China and Pakistan. Granting statehood would devolve power, which Delhi fears might complicate security operations. The Way Forward: Ladakh’s unrest is not insurmountable. What required is a policy that balances strategic imperatives with democratic dignity. Enshrine protection for land, jobs, and culture to allay Ladakhi anxieties; consider legislature space, a Rajya Sabha seat; design policies sensitive to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, involve locals in decision-making. Delhi must engage with ABL and KDA as partners, not adversaries, with time bound commitments. While statehood may be impractical, a phased roadmap could reassure Ladakhis that their aspirations are respected and looked after.

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are VIJAY HASHIA    views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: VIJAY HASHIA    and Spade A Spade-October,2025

Ladakh, has been a politically quiet Himalayan region compared to its neighbour UT Jammu and Kashmir. It has witnessed far less political unrest and cross border insurgency than the decades of conflict in the Kashmir Valley. Known for its Buddhist monasteries, stark beauty, and the resilience of its people, it has symbolized calm and endurance. To India, Ladakh is not merely a frontier but a vital sentinel of sovereignty, guarding sensitive borders with both China and Pakistan. Yet beneath this serenity, a political storm now brews. The recent violent protests in Leh leaving four death and dozens injured have shattered the illusion of calm. The paradox is striking: how has a region that welcomed, celebrated Union Territory status with joy, jubilation and pride in 2019 now find itself burning with anger, demanding full statehood? Historically, in ancient texts, it is known as Maryul (“low land”) or Muryul (“red country”). The region bore the imprints of Dardic, Mon, and Tibetan migrations. By the 10th century CE, Tibetan ruler Skit Lde Nemagon unified Ladakh into a centralized kingdom, later strengthened under King Singge Namgyal in the 17th century, who built Leh Palace and extended influence into western Tibet. Ladakh was never a mere frontier. It was an important corridor for the trans-Himalayan trade linking Tibet, Kashmir, and Central Asia. It was also a cultural bridge between Buddhism travelled northward into Tibet through Ladakh, while Islam found peaceful acceptance here through 16th-century missionary movements. But the 19th century reversed its fortunes. Wars with Tibet and internal instability made Ladakh vulnerable. In 1842, it came under Dogra rule as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Post-1947, China occupied Aksai Chin, Pakistan took Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan even ceded territory to China in 1963. What remained under India was reduced to Leh and Kargil districts. The people and soldiers of Ladakh have stood firm in defending India, whether against the raiders of 1947 or during the 1962 war with China. The Ladakh Scouts resisted Chinese aggression. In 1971, they played a crucial role in securingIndia’s northern defences, and during the 1999 Kargil War, they earned the proud title of “Snow Warriors.” Colonel Chewang Rinchen, was twice decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra, and hailed as “The Lion of Ladakh.” Sher Jung Thapa is credited with halting the enemy’s advance for six months during the Pak invasion. Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Naib Subedar Chering Mutup and many other valiant warriors of War whose legacy remains as a lasting memorial. Countless Indian soldiers too have laid down their lives to defend the precious frontiers of Ladakh. Among them, Major Shaitan Singh, stands out as a celebrated hero, who fought with unparalleled courage and made the supreme sacrifice in 1962 Battle of Rezang La- a pivotal moment of that war. Among the political figures the most notable, is Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the statesman monk, who ensured Ladakh’s place within the Indian Union and extended India’s influence into Buddhist Asia. As India’s ambassador to Mongolia, eminent Buddhist lama, worked tirelessly to revive Buddhism in Mongolia and Russia. The turning point 2019 When Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019 and Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories, Ladakh erupted in celebration. For decades, Ladakhis felt neglected under Kashmiri domination. The grant of UT status seemed to promise direct attention from Delhi, greater empowerment and safeguards for land and jobs. Ladakh has been not only a sentinel of India’s northern borders but also a bridge of civilizations, with both strategic significance and cultural richness. This is not merely a land of pashmina and monasteries, but a sensitive border region where every administrative decision carries national security implications. The grouse Five years later, the jubilation has curdled into disappointment. The Leh Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) perceive UT status toothless, subordinate to centrally appointed officials. With only one Lok Sabha seat, no Rajya Sabha presence, and negligible influence in decision-making, Ladakhis feel voiceless. The Sixth Schedule protections for safeguarding land, jobs, and culture, they say, are unfulfilled. Massive protests break out in Leh, Ladakh, today as demonstrators demand an advance of talks with the central government on extending the Sixth Schedule and granting statehood to the region. The agitation In this milieu, Ladakh’s younger generation, particularly Gen ‘Z’, influenced by recent unrest in Nepal, Bangaldesh, Sri Lanka and fuelled by social media took to the streets, resorting to vandalism and arson. Sources point out environmental activist, Sonam Wangchuk, who had been observing a ‘fast unto death’ to press demands like statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh “ has long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring style protest in Ladakh and also made reference to Gen Z protests in Nepal.” That, he used the hunger strike platform for his personal issues and to hide certain irregularities that are coming to light now. That the ensuing meeting between of LAB/KDA and government was schedule for Oct 6 when Delhi has already opened channels for talks but the anger has been premeditated and deliberate. While Delhi recognizes its strategic significance and has invested heavily in defence infrastructure, the civilian needs - education, healthcare, jobs, governance needs to be looked after. Ladakh, today is not alienated, its people seek partnership not separation. For Delhi, Ladakh is foremost a military buffer against China and Pakistan. Granting statehood would devolve power, which Delhi fears might complicate security operations. The Way Forward: Ladakh’s unrest is not insurmountable. What required is a policy that balances strategic imperatives with democratic dignity. Enshrine protection for land, jobs, and culture to allay Ladakhi anxieties; consider legislature space, a Rajya Sabha seat; design policies sensitive to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, involve locals in decision-making. Delhi must engage with ABL and KDA as partners, not adversaries, with time bound commitments. While statehood may be impractical, a phased roadmap could reassure Ladakhis that their aspirations are respected and looked after.

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are VIJAY HASHIA    views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: VIJAY HASHIA   and Spade A Spade,2025