Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday called on the Government of India to respond to the distress and anguish of the people of Ladakh following recent violence, stressing that their legitimate demands must be met, not just discussed in meetings.
In a post on X, Ramesh highlighted the threats to land and employment rights, bureaucratic control over local administration, and the long-standing demands for special protections under the Sixth Schedule and an elected legislature. He also pointed to the uncertainty arising from China’s actions along the border and criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
“Ladakh is of profound cultural, economic, ecological, and strategic importance to India. The people of Ladakh have, at all times, been proud Indians. Their distress and anguish must awaken the Government of India’s conscience, not just for even more talks but for actually fulfilling their legitimate aspirations in full measure at the very earliest,” Ramesh wrote.
Prohibitions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, remain in force in Leh, banning assemblies of five or more people and requiring prior written approval for processions, rallies, or marches.
Residents of Ladakh have long demanded inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special administrative and legislative protections for tribal areas under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
