Why we must stand in solidarity with Ladakh and its people

Why we must stand in solidarity with Ladakh and its people

 

We bet you’re no stranger to the film 3 Idiots and Aamir Khan’s (Rancho) character in the movie! Now, the man behind the inspiration of Rancho’s character, Sonam Wangchuk, has been on a fast unto death for over 20 days… Wangchuk is a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, an ingenuine engineer and educationist. He will continue to be on a hunger strike until his demands and the demands of the people of Ladakh are not met.

 

Wangchuk, along with hundreds of others, have been sleeping under open skies in sub-zero temperatures (as low as -12 degrees!), calling for urgent action to preserve Ladakh’s ecology. Ladakh is a cold desert in the northernmost part of India known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse mountainous terrain. However, the region has most recently been experiencing stress due to booming tourism and uncontrolled industrialisation.

 

But what are the demands?

 

Back in 2019, when Ladakh was made a Union Territory, there was joy and relief among its residents. There were hopes of greater control by the residents of their beloved land and greater autonomy to choose how the region’s resources are used. However, that hope soon turned into worry. Since 2019, the region has not formed its own Legislative Assembly, and there is a lack of public representation.

 

Since those who have been administering Ladakh do not have an in-depth understanding of the ecology, many industry-heavy projects, such as hydropower plants, have led to the exploitation of resources. The fragile ecology and vulnerable landscape of the region has come under significant stress from tourism and rapid, unplanned industrialisation. The resultant heat from these projects is leading to a rapid melting down of the glaciers. The region’s glacial lakes, lifelines for its inhabitants, are dwindling in the face of changing weather patterns.

 

Now, the people of Ladakh are demanding protection for Ladakh’s ecology and its indigenous culture under the #FriendsOfLadakh movement. Here’s what the movement is demanding:

 

1. As assured by the Government, they are demanding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to Ladakh.

What does that mean? The Sixth Schedule has been drafted especially for indigenous and tribal communities within the Constitution. The extension of the Sixth Schedule is crucial for the region because it will allow residents of Ladakh to make laws on “important things like land, forests, water, and mining – significant for a region in which 97 per cent of the population is tribal.” [2] Particularly, the Sixth Schedule with allow the formation of local autonomous councils wherein the indigenous communities will come together to make decisions on how their region should be developed.

2. Formation of a Legislative Assembly and a Chief Minister to administer the region by transferring power from the Lieutenant Governor.

So, how can we contribute to this growing movement? A simple act of solidarity — sign this petition, spread awareness by sharing it among your family and friends, and amplify the voices of Ladakh’s indigenous communities. As citizens of this country, we hold immense power to derive change. Let’s use this power wisely and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Ladakh in their fight for justice and dignity.