NAPM expresses solidarity with Ladakh’s demand for Sixth Schedule, Constitutional rights

By A Representative 

The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has announced its unequivocal support for the Ladakhi people's ongoing struggle for constitutional rights and environmental protection. In a statement released on Saturday, NAPM condemned the central government for failing to deliver on its promises and demanded urgent dialogue with Ladakhi leaders to address their concerns, including granting Ladakh Sixth Schedule Status under the Indian Constitution.

NAPM’s support comes as Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent environmentalist, along with 20 other Ladakhi activists, have been on an indefinite fast at Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi. Their fast is a response to the Union Government’s "failure" to engage in meaningful dialogue despite prior assurances. On October 2nd, 2023, during the release of 160 Ladakhi Padyatris (marchers), government leaders had promised to address the demands raised by Ladakhi activists. However, these promises remain unfulfilled, pushing the activists to protest once again.

Ladakh, which was separated from Jammu & Kashmir and designated a Union Territory in 2019, has been grappling with concerns about the exploitation of its natural resources, particularly due to large-scale infrastructure projects. One major point of contention is the 13-gigawatt renewable energy project under the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II. While the project aims to harness clean energy, it has caused alarm among locals due to its potential impact on Ladakh’s environment, land, and traditional livelihoods such as cattle grazing and tourism.

To safeguard Ladakh’s ecosystem and cultural heritage, activists are demanding that Ladakh be granted Sixth Schedule Status—a provision that grants autonomy to tribal areas in several northeastern states like Assam and Mizoram. The Sixth Schedule would give Ladakh greater control over land, resources, and governance, preventing what NAPM calls "destructive development" and protecting the region from displacement and environmental degradation.

NAPM sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, accusing it of making false promises during its 2019 election campaign and failing to act on assurances given to Ladakhi leaders. The organization also denounced the government’s handling of peaceful protests, referring to the detention of activists during the Climate March earlier this year. The march, which called attention to Ladakh's environmental challenges, was met with police action on Gandhi Jayanti, a day symbolizing peace and non-violence.

“The government's response to peaceful struggles is unconstitutional and unjustifiable,” NAPM stated, adding that the detention of marchers on a day meant to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s values of non-violence was particularly troubling.

NAPM called upon all Indian citizens who support decentralized development planning and the creation of local employment opportunities to stand with the people of Ladakh. They argue that development should not come at the cost of the environment or the displacement of indigenous communities. According to NAPM, the Sixth Schedule would ensure that Ladakh can pursue development without compromising its fragile ecosystem or the livelihood of its people.

“We stand in full solidarity with the Leh Apex Body, the Kargil Democratic Association, and the people of Ladakh in their fight to protect democracy, the constitution, and the Himalayas,” NAPM declared in its statement, urging the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue.

As the fast at Ladakh Bhawan continues, NAPM and Ladakhi activists are hopeful that the Union Government will respond to their demands, ensuring that Ladakh's rights and resources are protected in line with the principles of justice, sustainability, and democratic governance.

Signatories to NAPM’s statement include prominent activists such as Arundhati Dhuru, Medha Patkar, Suniti S R, Prafulla Samantara, and others, reflecting the collective support of NAPM’s member organizations across India.