TAG: GS 2: POLITY
THE CONTEXT: The leaders of Ladakh’s civil society groups have decided to call off an indefinite hunger strike following a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently.
EXPLANATION:
- This decision comes after the Centre agreed to engage in discussions on their demands, which primarily include Statehood for Ladakh, tribal status through inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the region.
- On February 3, Ladakh witnessed a complete shutdown as thousands gathered in Leh to voice concerns about protecting cultural identity, preserving the environment, ensuring job reservations for locals, and advocating for separate parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had invited civil society leaders for the second round of a high-powered committee dialogue, scheduled on Monday, with the committee headed by Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai.
Key Demands and Committee Formation:
- Ladakh’s demands included Statehood, tribal status under the Sixth Schedule, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission.
- The high-powered committee, comprising members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), announced the formation of a joint sub-committee.
- This sub-committee will include representatives from both LAB and KDA and is tasked with advancing the dialogue.
MHA’s Initial Response:
- During the meeting, MHA officials reportedly hesitated to commit to discussing Statehood and constitutional safeguards.
- Instead, they proposed enhancing the financial powers of hill councils in Leh and Kargil.
- The civil society leaders insisted on time-bound assurance for addressing their demands.
Postponement of Hunger Strike:
- A sub-committee member confirmed that the MHA has agreed to discuss the demand for Statehood and other issues in the upcoming meeting on February 24.
- The decision to call off the hunger strike is temporary, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue and find a resolution.
Historical Context:
- After the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly.
- The MHA formed a high-powered committee last year to address the grievances and demands of the people of Ladakh.