National Security Act (NSA) Imposed on Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Revoked – Demand for Ladakh Statehood and Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule

Introduction

The National Security Act (NSA) action imposed on Ladakh environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk has been revoked by the Central Government.

This issue emerged in the backdrop of protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule.

1. Sonam Wangchuk – Arrest and Release

Sonam Wangchuk conducted a hunger strike protest demanding the following for Ladakh:

Statehood for Ladakh
Protection for tribal communities
Environmental protection

Citing violence that occurred during the protests:

He was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA).
He remained in prison for about 6 months.

Later:

To create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue
To maintain peace in Ladakh

The Central Government revoked the NSA action.

2. Abrogation of Article 370 – Beginning of the Ladakh Issue

2019 – Article 370 was abrogated.

As a result, the former state of Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories:

1️⃣ Jammu & Kashmir (with Legislature)
2️⃣ Ladakh (without Legislature)

Therefore:

Ladakh became a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly.
Administration came directly under the Central Government.

3. Major Demands of the People of Ladakh

The people of Ladakh are currently raising two major demands:

1️⃣ Statehood for Ladakh
2️⃣ Protection under the Sixth Schedule

The main objectives are:

Protection of tribal rights
Restricting outsiders from purchasing land and resources
Protection of culture and language

4. Tribal Composition of Ladakh

In Ladakh, about 97% of the population belongs to tribal communities.

Therefore, they demand constitutional safeguards to protect:

Land rights
Cultural identity
Linguistic identity

5. Sixth Schedule – Constitutional Provision

The Sixth Schedule is established under:

Article 244(2)
Article 275(1)

Its main objective is:

To provide autonomous administration to areas with a majority tribal population.

6. Autonomous District Councils (ADC)

Under the Sixth Schedule, Autonomous District Councils are established.

Key features include:

Maximum of 30 members
5-year term of office

They have powers over the following sectors:

✔ Land
✔ Forest
✔ Agriculture
✔ Village administration
✔ Drinking water
✔ Local laws

Importantly:

They can regulate the purchase of land by outsiders.

7. States Under the Sixth Schedule

Currently, the Sixth Schedule is implemented in the following states:

Assam
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Tripura

All these states are located in Northeast India.

8. Position of the Central Government

The Central Government's argument:

The Sixth Schedule currently applies only to northeastern states.
A constitutional amendment would be required to include Ladakh.

Therefore, it has become a political and legal debate.

Conclusion / Way Forward

Ladakh is an important border and strategic region.

Maintaining peace and stability in the region is essential for national security and social stability.

Therefore, it is important to find a balanced solution to the demands of the people of Ladakh through dialogue and constitutional mechanisms.